Recently we have witnessed significant dynamics in the development of Bulgarian-Chinese relations. This is the reason to go back and track down in several articles their development over the years.
We will present the important events that have happened, which will bring us to the conclusion that bilateral relations in fields such as economy, politics and cultural exchange have always been good-natured, constructive and happening in an atmosphere of mutual willingness for exchange.
Bulgaria is the second country in the world after the former USSR, which recognized the People’s Republic of China on October 3rd, 1949. In 2014 we have celebrated 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In the 1950s the relations were developing actively on the basis of the common ideology of the ruling parties. In the early 1960s, under the influence of the confrontation between the PRC and the USSR, a cooling period is to be observed.
During the “Cultural Revolution” (1966-76) the bilateral relations were practically frozen, and during 1967-70 the diplomatic relations have been reduced to the level of charge d’affaires. Since the early 1980s, bilateral co-operation has intensified.
China’s significant role on the international arena as a permanent member of UN Security Council, its economic success, the enormous potential of the Chinese market and the traditional cooperative ties determine China’s priority position in our foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region.
At present, Bulgarian-Chinese relations are free of ideological preconceptions and have a friendly and good-natured character. There are no unresolved issues and political contradictions.
The Chinese side respects the political, economic and social reforms implemented in Bulgaria, respects our foreign policy priorities and highly appreciates Bulgaria’s active role as a stabilizing factor in Southeast Europe.
The Bulgarian side, on the other hand, supports the policy of reformation and opening up the world of the PRC, and takes a positive view of its independent and peaceful foreign policy, as well as its role in preserving peace and security in the region.
Bulgaria has always recognized only one China, regarded Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, and the government of the PRC – as the only legitimate government of the country, and Tibet – as an autonomous region of China.
Very significant was Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s visit (22-27 November 2015) to attend the 4th meeting between China’s government and the CEE countries (format 16+1).
Prime Minister Borissov participated in a joint meeting of the Heads of the Government of the CEECs with the president of China Xi Jinping and held bilateral meetings with the Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang and the mayor of Shanghai, Yang Xiong.
Three intergovernmental agreements were signed during the visit (Memorandum of Cooperation for Co-Promotion of “One Belt, one Road”, an Education Cooperation Agreement for the Period 2016-2019 and a Cooperation Agreement between the MAF and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). A number of inter-company agreements have been signed.
Over the past year, Bulgaria hosted a number of Chinese delegations with investment interests in various sectors, such as energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
