September 28th, 2017

(From chinareports.org.cn, Correspondent Li Chuanjun)  On the evening of September 27th, the event “China-EU cooperation to build a better future and was welcome dinner in honor of H.R.H Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Germany” held in Beijing. It was co-hosted by Asia Pacific Exchange & Cooperation Foundation and the Global One Belt One Road Association. Nearly 100 celebrities and representatives of famous institutions, which have been committed to promoting China-EU bilateral and multilateral cooperation, attended this welcome dinner.

APECF has long been committed to promoting China and the EU establishing a stable, healthy and friendly relationship, which is the most important mission for both sides. This year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Xi Jinping pledged that China would become a leader of globalization. After the Paris climate summit, China and the European Union shouldered the responsibilities and obligations of major powers in the response to global warming, and maintained fruitful cooperation on many world issues. At the same time, the EU is China's largest trading partner. China is the largest export market of the EU. Maintaining and improving bilateral relations has important significance and long-term strategic value. Especially since Brexit, the European Union has faced challenges as well. Germany has gradually become the core of the European Union. China-Germany trade accounts for 70% of China-EU trade, thus strengthening Sino-German bilateral relations, to a certain extent, is to strengthen China-EU relations. The cooperation between China and Germany is not only in technology, industry 4.0, trade, investment and other fields, but also, more importantly, to promote China and Europe to build a better future and make due contribution to world peace and human prosperity.

The distinguished guests at this event included Mr. Zheng Xinli (right), former Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee and Vice President of the China Center for International Economic Exchange; Mr. Yu Hongjun, former Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Liu Jian, former Deputy Director of the Counsellors’ Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; and H.R.H Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Germany, Mr. David Knower, board member of world famous think tank Aspen Institute. Distinguished guests from the event’s organizers included Mr. Xiao Wunan, Executive Vice Chairman of APECF, Ms. Wang Manli, Honorary Chairwoman of the Global One Belt One Road Association. During the event, many experts, scholars, heads of the industry associations and representatives of enterprises had constructive discussion on how to strengthen Chinese-German relations.

APECF Executive Vice Chairman Xiao Wunan said in his speech China-EU relationship has been stable, but most of them are in the fields of technology and trade. How to promote Germany to play an important role in China’s “One Belt One Road” initiative appears to be of strategic significance. Meanwhile, Germany is the core of EU, Chinese-German relations should be more forward-looking to create a broader community of interests.

H.R.H Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Germany, said Europe’s royal families have natural good feelings for China. How to promote cooperation and communication between the German royal family and China is the focus of Chinese-German relations in the future. Ms. Wang Manli, Honorary Chairwoman of the Global One Belt One Road Association, said her association would play a active role and act as a bridge to promote “One Belt One Road” projects in Germany. Many famous artists were present including Ms. Tian Jiaxin, world famous young pianist, famous Peking Opera artist Lu Wei, famous Sichuan Opera artist Luo Lizhu, famous singer Jing Shanyuan. The whole activity ended in a pleasant atmosphere.

APECF has long been committed to China-EU cooperation and achieved fruitful results. Recently APECF successfully visited Germany, reaching consensuses on how to strengthen relations with the German government, parliament and institutions. In addition, the events of “Promote World Peace through Dialogue among Civilizations”, co-launched and organized by APECF and other institutions, have wide ranging influence in Europe. Mr. Xiao Wunan won the World Peace Contribution Award at EXPO Milano in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of China-EU cooperation.

Since its establishment, APECF has received EU politicians visiting China many times, including Mr. Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission, Mr. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach of Ireland.