The Promising Development of China-EU Relations

OVER the past 46 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), bilateral relations have experienced some setbacks, but dialogue and cooperation are the cornerstone of China-EU relations. Sharing broad common interests, their cooperation is greater than competition. The two major civilizations have dialogues and exchanges; they are not institutional rivals. China’s 2021 Government Work Report outlines the direction and prospects for the development of China-EU relations. In the face of major changes unseen in a century, China-EU relations will continue to develop and deepen, which will have a positive and far-reaching impact on the world’s political and economic pattern.

- LI GANG

Roots in the People and Benefits the People

With the transformation of its economic growth pattern, China is vigorously promoting new urbanization and reforms in the fields of medical care, health, and elderly care, with added focus on social development and environmental issues along with its economic growth.

The government report once again emphasizes issues related to people’s livelihood. China’s urbanization process will promote the continuous increase in the demand for education, culture, tourism, medical care, childcare, and old-age services.

As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, European countries are experienced in urban planning, the transformation of old industrial cities, and the construction of livable towns. They also have strong comparative advantages in the life services industry. With the acceleration of China’s urbanization process and the opening up of the services trade, its new urbanization will create more investment opportunities for related companies in European countries. In addition, countries such as Germany, the U.K., and France have abundant experience and distinctive features in the healthcare and elderly care industries. The two sides have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of medical and elderly care.