China and Europe Work to Deepen Trade on 50th Anniversary of Ties

More than 500 business leaders and government officials from China and the European Union met in Beijing on Wednesday to work toward expanding trade between the two economic powerhouses. The conference, “Encouraging Balance, Upholding Commitments, Embracing Responsibilities,” came amid commemorations of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.

• Total China-EU trade in goods in 2000 equaled approximately $108 billion.
• Last year, it reached $786 billion—a more than sevenfold increase.
• As the United States grows less predictable, China and Europe hope to take their trade to new heights.

“Golden opportunity”: Jorge Toledo, the EU’s ambassador to China, said that the 50th anniversary represents a “golden opportunity” for China and Europe. The two sides must “take stock of what has happened in the last five decades …, examine the current challenges, and together lay solid foundations for the future,” he said. “It is extremely important right now when we are facing rapid and profound changes.”

Strengthening ties: The conference comes after months of concerted efforts by the EU and China to improve their economic and political relations.

• In April, China called on European nations to form a united front in response America’s tariff policies.
• In March, Chinese officials expressed interest in collaborating with Portugal to enhance ties between China and Europe.
• In February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of expanding trade relations with China—a sentiment that echoed her comments from the previous month.

Foretold cooperation: Europe and China appear increasingly ready to lay aside their differences to collaborate more closely on economic matters. Biblical prophecy shows that this emerging partnership will soon grow into a massive global trading alliance—with the purpose of sidelining America.

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