Relations between Portugal and China demonstrate that engagement based on mutual respect is a powerful catalyst for multifaceted cooperation

Portugal and China share a relationship that is both historic and forward-looking. The ties between the two countries have consistently been shaped by connectivity, pragmatism and mutual respect. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Portugal-China cooperation has entered a new phase — one that contributes not only to bilateral growth, but also to the broader development of the relations between the European Union and China and to the reform of global governance.

Portugal was among the first Western European countries to formally support the BRI. For the Portuguese, the initiative has always represented more than infrastructure. It embodies connectivity across trade, finance, innovation and people-to-people exchanges. Geographically positioned on the Atlantic coast, Portugal serves as a natural maritime gateway linking Europe with the Americas and Africa. Portugal’s modern port infrastructure, combined with integration within the EU single market, creates opportunities for diversified and resilient trade corridors connecting China and Europe.

At the same time, China’s inland development has reshaped Eurasian logistics. Cities such as Chongqing illustrate how the western part of China has become directly connected to European markets through rail and multimodal corridors. The complementarity between these land routes and Atlantic maritime access reinforces the logic of integrated connectivity rather than fragmented supply chains.

Portugal’s engagement with China takes place within the framework of EU-China relations. Constructive Portugal-China relations therefore contribute to broader EU-China dialogue. By ensuring transparency, regulatory alignment and respect for both European and Chinese standards, Portugal demonstrates that cooperation can be mutually beneficial and fully compatible with EU rules while also responsive to China’s development priorities. This balanced approach strengthens trust at a time when global economic relations face significant pressures.

Indeed, global trade is currently undergoing a period of turbulence. Fragmentation, geopolitical tensions and protectionist tendencies have challenged the optimistic narrative that globalization would automatically generate shared prosperity. Some observers even question whether the model of open trade can continue delivering benefits for people as originally envisaged. Yet economic history reminds us that trade and investment operate in cycles. Periods of contraction and uncertainty are often followed by phases of renewed expansion and innovation. When that more favorable cycle returns, those countries and companies that have preserved channels of cooperation, built trust and positioned themselves strategically will be in pole position.

In this context, practical cooperation between Portuguese and Chinese enterprises plays a stabilizing role. Rather than retreating from engagement, Portuguese business communities are preparing for the next phase of growth. The Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo, to be held in Beijing from June 22 to 26, and the HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit in September.

The China International Supply Chain Expo represents an important evolution in global trade exhibitions. As the world’s first national-level expo dedicated specifically to supply chains, it focuses not only on final products but also on entire industry ecosystems, from upstream raw materials and advanced manufacturing to logistics, digital platforms and financial services. In an era when global markets seek resilience, the expo offers a platform for constructive exchanges through deeper diversification, integrating Portuguese innovation directly into the industrial ecosystems linked to China’s vast capacity. For Chinese enterprises, Portugal offers a reliable EU gateway with access to European, African and Latin American markets. In an era of supply chain recalibration, such structured platforms foster resilience through cooperation rather than isolation.

HICOOL, meanwhile, has emerged as a dynamic global innovation and entrepreneurship platform. It connects startups with venture capital, research institutions and industry partners, supporting China’s innovation-driven development strategy. Portugal’s growing technology ecosystems, particularly in digital services, clean energy, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, are well positioned to engage in co-development initiatives. Instead of limiting cooperation to traditional buyer-seller relationships, Portuguese and Chinese innovators can pursue joint research, shared intellectual property and scalable production partnerships. This shift toward co-creation strengthens the long-term competitiveness of both sides.

Beyond the economic dimension, Portugal-China cooperation unfolds within a broader reflection on global governance. The United Nations-centered international system, which was established after World War II, remains the cornerstone of the international order. When global governance appears to falter, it is not primarily because of flaws in its institutional architecture. The principles of sovereign equality, peaceful dispute resolution and multilateral cooperation remain sound. The real challenge lies in the inconsistent willingness of some states to voluntarily comply with the rules and obligations they have collectively endorsed. Strengthening global governance therefore requires renewed political commitment, not abandonment of multilateral frameworks.

China’s recent global initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative — contribute to this discussion by emphasizing development, security, dialogue among civilizations and reform-oriented multilateralism. These initiatives underscore sovereign equality, adherence to international law, a people-centered approach and action-oriented cooperation. For Portugal, a long-standing supporter of multilateralism and the UN Charter, these principles resonate. Reform should aim at enhancing effectiveness, representation and implementation capacity, particularly for developing countries.

Business cooperation plays a practical role in this broader reform process. Trade expos, innovation platforms and cross-border industrial partnerships translate abstract governance principles into tangible economic outcomes. They create spaces for extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits — reinforcing trust through concrete results.

Globalization is not disappearing; it is adjusting. Supply chains are being redesigned, technology is accelerating change and geopolitical dynamics are evolving. In such times, bridge-builders are more necessary than ever. Portugal, anchored in Europe yet historically connected to multiple continents, is prepared to play that role. China, committed to high-quality development and continued opening-up, remains central to the future trajectory of the global economy.

Globalization is adjusting through redesigned supply chains and evolving geopolitical dynamics. In such times, the role of bridge-builders is more necessary than ever.

By maintaining this high-level dialogue and participating actively in platforms, Portuguese and Chinese companies are not merely responding to present uncertainties. They are strategically positioning themselves for the next constructive cycle of global growth. This multifaceted cooperation demonstrates that engagement, grounded in mutual respect and aligned with both European and Chinese standards, is a powerful catalyst for a more resilient, balanced and forward-looking phase of globalization.

The author is the secretary-general of Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.