Denmark and China are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties in May 2025, marking a relationship that officially began on 11 May 1950 but stretches back nearly 350 years to the first Danish merchant voyage to southern China.
Denmark holds a special place in history as the second Western country—after Sweden—to formally recognize the People’s Republic of China. Since then, relations have developed into a long-standing partnership, increasingly characterised by strengthened trade and economic engagement over the past two decades.
As part of the anniversary, the Embassy of Denmark in China shared a statement reflecting on the journey of cooperation between the two countries.
“Although Denmark and China do not see eye to eye on everything, our relationship is also characterised by valuable cooperation,” the statement read.
In 2008, the two countries established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and in 2023, they launched the Green Joint Work Program in Beijing, putting the green transition at the centre of their cooperation.
“In these uncertain times with geopolitical turbulence, the need for cooperation in order to promote and maintain international stability, respect for international law, facilitate rules-based trade and ensure economic growth is more important than ever,” the embassy added.
To commemorate the milestone, the Danish-Chinese Business Forum in Copenhagen, Denmark, hosted a high-level gathering on Tuesday 6 May 2025, bringing together 130 business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in Denmark.
Keynote speakers included Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Chinese Ambassador to Denmark H.E. Wang Xuefeng. Their remarks highlighted the evolving nature of Danish-Chinese cooperation and shared economic interests.
The presence of H.M. King Frederik X further underscored the significance of the occasion.
“We appreciate the opportunity to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations,” the forum stated, “an important milestone that reflects a long-standing bilateral partnership.”
Source: DCBF
