Model of mutual respect and cooperation shows importance of trust in turbulent times: China Daily editorial

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's three-day visit to China, culminating in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, has been conducive to injecting fresh vitality into the long-standing partnership between China and Portugal.

The two countries have achieved fruitful outcomes in cooperation across various fields in recent years, setting a model of mutual respect and mutual benefit for nations with different social systems and national conditions.

This enduring spirit of cooperation is particularly significant this year, which marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership. Over the past two decades, both sides have remained committed to dialogue, mutual trust and practical collaboration.

In the process, they have shown the world that relations between countries need not be constrained by differences in history, culture or governance systems, but can instead be strengthened by a shared commitment to openness, inclusiveness and development. For Portugal, the steady pursuit of friendship with China has brought tangible benefits to its economy and its people.

Looking ahead, as President Xi said, China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Portugal, keep bilateral relations on the right track, and make greater contributions to the prosperity and progress of both countries and the world through unity and cooperation.

To that end, as Xi said, the two sides should strengthen their traditional friendship and trust, and continue to support each other and expand practical cooperation in areas such as innovation, green development, ocean industries and medicine. They should also leverage Macao's unique role as a bridge and make full use of mechanisms such as the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to achieve higher levels of mutual benefit. Expanding exchanges in culture, education, tourism and scientific research will further cement the foundation of people-to-people friendship.

Montenegro warmly echoed Xi's call, affirming that Portugal is committed to deepening friendly cooperation with China. He expressed the hope that his visit will help enhance political mutual trust, strengthen economic and trade ties, boost two-way investment and expand cooperation in energy, finance, health, water conservancy and other areas. His words reaffirm Portugal's recognition that Sino-Portuguese relations not only have a long history but also are future-oriented.

Particularly notable was Montenegro's acknowledgment that Macao's successful practices over the past 25 years fully demonstrate the foresight of Portugal's decision at the time. He further pledged that Portugal will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and will never forget China's valuable support during Portugal's difficult economic period.

Today, as the international situation grows more turbulent and uncertain, the lessons of China-Portugal relations take on renewed significance. As Xi stressed, the more turbulent and intertwined the international landscape becomes, the greater the need for China and Europe to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation. These words not only resonate with the spirit of bilateral cooperation between China and Portugal, but also serve as a meaningful reminder to Europe as a whole.

Montenegro also acknowledged the importance of the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Xi, saying that Portugal is willing to uphold multilateralism and embrace China as an irreplaceable partner for Europe in improving global governance. This highlights Portugal's consistent role as a long-standing supporter of multilateralism and its ability to demonstrate foresight in navigating international challenges. By working with Beijing to uphold the positioning of the China-EU partnership, Lisbon can help promote a healthy development of Sino-EU ties.

This constructive path stands in contrast to the counterproductive tendencies within certain quarters of Europe that view international relations through the narrow lens of confrontation and bloc politics. For Europe, Portugal's example offers an important lesson: constructive engagement with China brings benefits that extend well beyond bilateral ties, pointing the way forward for the stable development of China-EU relations and, indeed, for international cooperation at large.

As both countries usher their comprehensive strategic partnership into its third decade, it is hoped that the China-Portugal relationship will continue to thrive as a positive force for China-EU cooperation and for world development.