Xi Jinping and Belgium’s King Philippe exchange congratulations on 55 years of diplomatic relations

The messages were exchanged on Sunday, 25 October 2026, the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1971.

In his message, President Xi said China and Belgium had maintained relations based on mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation over the past 55 years. He noted that exchanges and cooperation had continued across various sectors, while people-to-people ties between the two countries had grown closer.

Xi said he attached great importance to the development of bilateral relations and expressed his willingness to work with King Philippe to use the anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive partnership of friendly cooperation.

He also expressed hope that closer China-Belgium relations would contribute to the stable and healthy development of relations between China and the European Union.

In his response, King Philippe said Belgium and China had developed broad and diverse areas of cooperation since establishing diplomatic relations.

The Belgian monarch recalled Chinese President Xi’s state visit to Belgium in 2014, saying the visit had left him with fond memories. He expressed confidence that both countries could build on the achievements of the past 55 years by promoting open dialogue, expanding practical cooperation and deepening mutual understanding.

King Philippe also reaffirmed Belgium’s willingness to develop balanced and mutually beneficial relations with China, address shared global challenges and support peace, stability and sustainable development.

China and Belgium formally established diplomatic relations on 25 October 1971. Since then, the two countries have developed links in trade, investment, shipping, logistics, healthcare and other areas.

The anniversary comes as both countries seek to maintain communication and identify opportunities for cooperation amid wider economic and geopolitical challenges affecting relations between China and Europe.

The exchange of messages highlights the importance both leaders place on continued dialogue and cooperation as China and Belgium enter the next phase of their 55-year diplomatic relationship.