In 1990, I was sent to Brussels as a junior diplomat to participate in an interpretation training program organized by the then European Community for China.
那是我第一次踏上欧洲大陆，优美的风光、丰厚的文化底蕴、热情友好的人民令我印象深刻，记忆犹新。
That was my first encounter with the continent and I was deeply impressed by its immense beauty, rich culture and friendly people.
Thirty years on, significant changes have taken place both in Europe and China. The European Community has developed into the European Union with 27 member states. The European integration process has made much progress, marked by the establishment of Schengen Area, Eurozone and other institutions and mechanisms. Europe is playing an increasingly important role in the world.
In China, following reform and opening-up and with the hard work of its people, the country has become the world’s second largest economy and the top trading partner of more than 130 countries and regions. It is a major source of economic stability and growth for the world.
China-EU relations have also come a long way. Since 1975 when China and the EU established diplomatic relations, China-EU trade has seen a 250-fold increase. The EU has been China’s top trading partner for 16 years in a row. And China has been the EU’s second largest trading partner for years running.
Back in 1990, I rarely saw Chinese tourists on the streets of Brussels. Today, close to eight million visits are exchanged between China and the EU every year, and more than 600 flights connect us every week.
With the expanding and deepening of China-EU cooperation, we are forging a partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization on the basis of our comprehensive strategic partnership, steadily pushing our relations forward.
中欧合作为何能取得如此大发展？我想，原因主要有两个。
What has enabled such tremendous progress in China-EU cooperation? I think of two reasons.
首先，中欧合作符合双方利益需求。
First of all, China-EU cooperation meets the need of people of both sides.
Secondly, China-EU cooperation reflects the trend of the globalized world. Issues such as climate change, terrorism, communicable disease and cybercrime call for joint responses.
中欧作为世界两大力量、两大市场、两大文明，对话与合作具有世界意义。
As two major forces of the world, two big markets and two great civilizations, China and the EU can make a real difference by working together.
Several years ago, China and the EU, together with other countries, jointly adopted the Paris Agreement, a milestone in tackling climate change. Today, in the face of COVID-19, China and the EU have stood by each other against this common enemy of mankind.
事实证明，只有坚持多边主义，秉持人类共同体理念，才是解决全球性问题的唯一出路和希望所在。
These experiences show the importance of upholding multilateralism and building a global community with a shared future. This is our only way to find the answers and hope that we need to meet global challenges.
中国是欧洲的机遇，不是威胁。中国将继续深化改革、扩大开放，这将为欧洲提供新一轮合作机遇和发展空间。
China is an opportunity, not a threat to Europe. China will continue to deepen reform and open up to the world. This will bring Europe new opportunities for cooperation and prospects of growth.
中国是欧洲的伙伴，不是对手。中欧没有根本利害冲突，合作远大于竞争，共识远大于分歧。
China is a partner, not a rival to Europe. Between China and the EU, there is no fundamental conflict of interests. Our cooperation and common ground far outweigh competition and differences.