The Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union is China’s principal diplomatic representation to EU institutions. Diplomatic ties were established on May 6, 1975, when European Economic Community Vice-President Christopher Soames and Premier Zhou Enlai (周恩來) agreed to normalize relations; China’s first ambassador to the European Communities presented credentials that September. The mission operates a press office and regularly publishes op-eds and statements in European media. Relations have grown increasingly strained since the European Commission in 2019 formally described China as simultaneously a partner, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival, a characterization the mission has consistently rejected.