On June 14, 2025, the Chinese Mission to the European Union hosted the China-EU Friendship Table Tennis Tournament in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, and Mr. Jean-Michel Saive, European table tennis champion and President of the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) attended the event and delivered remarks. The event brought together more than 200 guests from both China and Europe, including Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao, Secretary General of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Mr. Pierre Kass, President of the Fédération Royale Belge de Tennis de Table Mr. Jean-Michel Mureau, ETTU Ambassador Ms. Ni Xialian, and renowned table tennis player Mr. Philippe Saive.

Ambassador Cai Run noted in his remarks that table tennis enjoys broad popularity among the people of both China and Europe. As part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, this friendship tournament serves not only as a tribute to the shared sporting traditions of both sides but also as a special dialogue connecting our cultures and peoples. Ambassador Cai expressed the hope that young people from China and Europe would foster closer bonds through the bridge of table tennis, further strengthening the foundation of people-to-people ties, which are essential to the enduring friendship between nations.

Mr. Philippe Saive recalled in his speech his memorable experiences as an athlete participating in the friendly Europe-China exchanges brought by table tennis. He extended his heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides and expressed his confidence that this event would further contribute to people-to-people friendly exchanges and cooperation between Europe and China.

Ambassador Cai joined the guests in watching the match featuring mixed teams composed of both Chinese and European players, as well as a special exhibition match presented by Mr. Jean-Michel Saive and Mr. Philippe Saive. The event was marked by exciting moments and a series of highlights, all set in a warm and friendly atmosphere.