China urges deeper cooperation with Central‑Eastern Europe and broader EU trade ties

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China will continue to solidify and expand the China‑Central and Eastern European (CEEC) cooperation mechanism, describing it as a catalyst for high‑quality Belt and Road projects and a model for Europe’s collective destiny. He referenced the recent 7th China‑CEEC local leaders meeting in Jinan, the youth political forum in Wuhan, and the fourth China‑CEEC spokesperson dialogue, noting that the platform has matured over 14 years despite global shifts.

In a separate briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning urged European parties to view China‑EU economic relations objectively and rationally, calling for a reduced problem list and an enlarged cooperation “cake.” She highlighted that 68% of European companies plan to maintain or expand operations in China, with roughly one‑third deepening localisation, and cited a 300‑fold increase in bilateral trade over five decades and an investment stock of about $2.6 trillion, warning that protectionism harms all sides.