As China and Europe prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomacy, relations are at a critical moment. President Xi’s visits enhance the symbiosis between the parties and will add precious momentum to the healthy development of East-West relations.

President Xi Jinping’s recent voyage to Europe is the best barometer for measuring the current state of China-EU relations. A swift evaluation reveals more unsettling signs than promising advancements.

President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Paris, Belgrade and Budapest illuminated the plight of the European project and exposed the weakness of the call by Josep Borrell, high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for the EU to be treated as a geopolitical power in its own right.

The EU’s latest moves in the green technology sector may inadvertently strain China-EU relations, potentially impeding progress toward mutual environmental objectives and causing detriment to both parties.

With Donald Trump making another run for the White House and the possible disruptions his election could bring, it is sensible for Germany to enhance win-win cooperation with China and push for the strategic enhancement of China-EU relations.

What choices should a country make as humanity faces a historical transformation? For China, the answer lies in dismantling the pervasive zero-sum mindset and maintaining an unwavering commitment to win-win cooperation. China and Germany, despite their distinct ideologies and security interests, have the potential to shape a better future.

China’s connectivity project is being reconfigured across the old continent. Western and Eastern Europe are increasingly divided regarding the Belt and Road’s infrastructure projects and investments – yet, Europe as a whole is welcoming monetary connectivity with China and wider adoption of the renminbi.

China and Europe look forward to more stable relations. But transcending the European-style de-risking narrative will take some doing. As frictions arise, the strategic definitions and political wisdom of both sides will be tested.

The recent EU-China Summit marked a cautious step forward in their relationship, underlining a growing willingness to constructively engage. While substantive policy changes remain elusive, both sides acknowledged concerns and showed openness to dialogue, hinting at a potential path for future negotiations and trust-building.

A new framework is needed to accommodate their various interests as they deal with the ever-changing international situation and the challenges that crop up now and then. Relations have weathered storms over past decades mainly because the two sides share broad common interests.