The Sino-Bulgarian Friendship is Like a Crown – Solid and Radiant

E. Mrs. Dai Qingli was born in October 1973 in Linquan, Anhui Province, China. She has a master's degree in arts.

Her career began in 1996 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, where she continues to work to this day. By 2008, she had gradually risen through the ranks: employee, attaché, third secretary, second secretary, and deputy head of the "Written and Oral Translations" Department. From 2008 to 2012, she served as First Secretary and Counselor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Subsequently, until 2015, she worked as Counselor and Head of the "Asian Affairs" Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC. From 2015 to 2016, she served as Counselor in the "Written and Oral Translations" Department, and from 2016 to 2021, she was its Deputy Director.

From 2021 to 2024, H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

On May 20, 2024, she presented her credentials to President Rumen Radev as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Bulgaria, thus becoming the 21st Chinese ambassador to Bulgaria and the first woman to hold this position.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, and we are delighted that H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli kindly agreed to answer our questions for Diplomatic Spectrum on this special occasion.

- Bulgaria is the second country in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, following the Soviet Union. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. How have these relations developed with the years?

- We will never forget that Bulgaria was the second country in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the newly founded People's Republic of China. The relationship between China and Bulgaria started on solid ground with deep-rooted foundations. Both sides have always treated each other as equals, respecting each other's chosen political systems and development paths. Bulgaria has long supported the One-China policy, laying an important political foundation for developing bilateral relations. This has enabled the relationship to advance from comprehensive, friendly cooperation to a strategic partnership.

China and Bulgaria have jointly achieved several "firsts" in the relationship between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries: Bulgaria was among the first countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative. It was one of the earliest to sign agreements with China on the mutual recognition of higher education degrees. The first Confucius Institute on the Balkan Peninsula and the first Chinese Cultural Center in the CEE region were established in Bulgaria. In 2023, Bulgaria became China's largest agricultural trade partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In Bulgarian culture, the 75th anniversary is referred to as the "Crown Wedding." Having journeyed together through 75 years of trials and triumphs, the friendship between China and Bulgaria is like a crown-heavy with significance and shining brightly. I hope and firmly believe that, through joint efforts, the ship of the China-Bulgaria friendship will ride the waves, sail steadily, and move forward far into the future.

- In one of your recent speeches, you mentioned "Major Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics." What does it mean? What are its achievements?

- Major-country diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics is a comprehensive, multi-level, and multidimensional diplomatic framework established by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, led by Xi Jinping at its core, in response to new changes in the international landscape and the evolving dynamics of China's economic and social development since the 18th National Congress of the CPC.

In the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has personally planned, directed, and advanced a grand diplomatic practice that has shaped this era. Major-country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics has been comprehensively promoted, breaking new ground amidst global transformations, turning crises into opportunities in times of international turmoil, overcoming numerous challenges, and accomplishing significant and critical tasks. It has achieved comprehensive, groundbreaking, and historic successes.

China has proposed a series of new concepts and initiatives to address the pressing questions of our time, such as "What is happening in the world, and what should we do about it?" These efforts aim to drive reforms and improvements in global governance, demonstrating the responsibilities of a major power.

Building a community with a shared future for humanity offers a Chinese solution to where humanity is headed. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has established the world's most extensive and largest international cooperation platform. Additionally, initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) have injected new momentum into the causes of peace and development.

China advocates for inclusive and equitable globalization and a multipolar world order that is fair and stable, providing direction and pathways for the international community to achieve lasting peace and shared development. It champions genuine multilateralism while opposing all forms of unilateralism, protectionism, hegemony, and power politics. Moreover, China actively promotes the political resolution of hotspot issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle East situation.

- This year also marks the 70th anniversary of China's proposal of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. In a world rife with conflicts, how can these principles be applied? Amidst the current prevalence of wars and territorial disputes, how can a community with a shared future for humanity was established?

- Seventy years ago, China proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These principles became an essential guideline for managing relations between nations.

Today, under new circumstances, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have evolved into a powerful force for building a community with a shared future for humanity and advancing human civilization. The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind represents the continuation and creative development of the Five Principles in the new era, addressing the critical question of "What kind of world should we build, and how do we build it?"

The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind is deeply rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It represents the best continuation, promotion, and elevation of these principles in the context of the new era. Faced with the historical choices between peace and war, prosperity and decline, unity, and confrontation, we need now more than ever to carry forward the spirit and essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and work tirelessly toward the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

We must uphold the principle of sovereign equality and advocate for an equitable and orderly multipolar world. We must solidify the foundation of mutual respect and jointly safeguard the "golden rule" of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

We must realize the vision of peace and security by implementing the Global Security Initiative. We need to harness the momentum for shared prosperity by promoting inclusive and equitable economic globalization, advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implementing the Global Development Initiative.

We must adhere to the principles of fairness and justice, advocating a global governance model based on consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits while respecting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

We should demonstrate openness and inclusiveness by implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, fostering mutual learning and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations.

- In September, the Chinese Embassy and the Bulgarian National Association "One Belt, One Road" hosted the "Exhibition of Leading Chinese Products and Services and Business Meeting Forum," dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China. Are you satisfied with the event? Will it yield concrete and fruitful results?

- The China Premium Products Exhibition and the China-Bulgaria Trade and Investment Matchmaking Conference were some of the key events in the series celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria. The event received significant attention from the Bulgarian side, with President Rumen Radev personally attending and high-level representatives from relevant government departments, local authorities and the business community. The event showcased the strong mutual willingness and immense potential for investment and cooperation between the two countries, achieving results that exceeded expectations.

First, Bulgaria’s high-level participation in the event demonstrated its emphasis on and expectations for practical cooperation between China and Bulgaria. This bolstered confidence among the Chinese and Bulgarian business communities, particularly encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Bulgaria.

Second, the event strengthened government-to-government cooperation between China and Bulgaria. Both sides plan to establish an intergovernmental mechanism for investment cooperation to provide better services and more favorable policies for Chinese enterprises investing in Bulgaria.

Third, the event promoted Bulgaria’s investment advantages and opportunities while enhancing the visibility of Chinese brands and services in the country. It deepened mutual understanding between Chinese and Bulgarian businesses, laying a solid foundation for future Chinese investment in Bulgaria.

The Embassy will work closely with the relevant authorities on both sides to continue promoting more profound and substantive exchanges and cooperation between the business communities of China and Bulgaria. Through the joint efforts of both countries, the potential for investment cooperation will gradually be realized.

- Bulgaria has become China's largest trading partner among Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in the trade of agricultural goods. What lies ahead?

- Agriculture is one of the key areas of cooperation between China and Bulgaria. Bulgarian products, such as rose-based items, wine, and yogurt, have become increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. In recent years, agricultural trade between the two countries has grown rapidly. Bulgaria has emerged as China's largest agricultural trade partner in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, trade in agricultural products and food between China and Bulgaria increased by 37% year-on-year, with Bulgarian exports to China having doubled.

As an important agricultural supply base in Europe, Bulgaria has vast development prospects in grain production, vegetable and fruit cultivation, livestock farming, and food processing. A flagship project of China-Bulgaria agricultural cooperation, the China-CEE Agricultural Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Plovdiv, has created hundreds of local jobs since its establishment.

The recently concluded Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has provided new opportunities for practical cooperation between China and Bulgaria. Implementing related reform measures will open up significant space for further agricultural collaboration between the two countries.

Moving forward, under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and China-CEE cooperation mechanisms, the two sides can actively explore new models, such as cross-border e-commerce for agricultural products, to promote further growth in agricultural trade. Strengthening agricultural science and technology cooperation can enhance joint research and the sharing of advanced agricultural technologies. Accelerating the construction of agricultural cooperation demonstration zones will facilitate the implementation of more agricultural investment and cooperation projects.

- Which areas should we strengthen economic cooperation in?

- Promoting practical cooperation between our two countries is one of my top priorities during my tenure. China and Bulgaria have great potential and promising prospects for collaboration in many areas.

Agriculture: As mentioned earlier, agriculture is a key focus. We aim to facilitate the export of more high-quality Bulgarian agricultural products to China, helping Bulgaria take full advantage of Chinese trade fairs and thriving e-commerce platforms to continuously expand the scale of agricultural trade between the two countries.

Renewable Energy: Renewable energy is Bulgaria's largest sector for Chinese investments. Green and low-carbon transformation is a shared goal for both countries. By leveraging their technological strengths, Chinese companies actively participate in Bulgarian projects for solar power, wind energy, and biomass energy generation, contributing to Bulgaria's green development efforts.

Manufacturing and Infrastructure Development: At the crossroads of Eurasia, Bulgaria has a strategic geographical advantage, a solid industrial base, and numerous thriving industrial parks, alongside significant infrastructure development needs. In the post-pandemic era, the first batch of Chinese investment projects is gradually being implemented, with more projects under negotiation. Both sides should identify key opportunities, explore feasible cooperation models, and work to bring more Chinese projects to fruition in Bulgaria while encouraging more Chinese enterprises to undertake infrastructure projects there.

- Bulgaria was among the first countries to join the "Belt and Road Initiative." Is there potential for more joint partnerships within its framework, as well as in the "China-CEE Cooperation" format?

- In the ten years since President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, China has signed over 200 cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations. This has resulted in over 3,000 cooperation projects, driving nearly $1 trillion in investments and injecting strong momentum into the development of participating countries. The BRI has become a widely welcomed international public good and a platform for global cooperation.

Bulgaria joined the BRI in 2015, becoming one of the first countries to sign cooperation agreements with China under the initiative. Bulgaria is also the leading country for the China-CEE Agricultural Cooperation Demonstration Zone and the China-CEE Global Partnership Center. In the nine years since Bulgaria joined the BRI, bilateral trade has more than doubled. Bulgarian products such as rose-based items and yogurt have gained popularity in the Chinese market. Several projects, including biomass power plants built by Chinese companies, have been successfully completed in Bulgaria. Chinese financial institutions have supported the growth of Bulgaria's shipping industry, while Chinese investments in automotive parts manufacturing and photovoltaic power plants are accelerating their implementation in the country.

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of Bulgaria's participation in the BRI. We are ready to work with Bulgaria to strengthen our partnership under the BRI framework with renewed confidence and joint efforts. By enhancing cooperation in development planning, the digital economy, infrastructure, and green transition, we aim to inject new momentum into Bulgaria's economic growth and bring more benefits to the people of both countries.

- Bulgarians and Chinese share a common passion – culture and the arts. What will be the focus of your work in this field during your term in our country?

- China and Bulgaria share a long history and rich cultural heritage, and our traditional friendship remains enduring. In recent years, cultural exchanges between the two countries have flourished.

At the beginning of the year, we successfully hosted the joint China-Bulgaria Spring Festival and the Lantern Painting Competition, which were highly appreciated by the Bulgarian community. The activities from May to August were even more vibrant. For example, the Second Dragon Boat Festival attracted over 10,000 Bulgarians. The "Peony Meets Rose" drawing competition was a great success, and performances by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, the Youth Dance Troupe of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, the Beijing Dance Academy, and the ethnic ensemble Ih Tsetsn received enthusiastic acclaim from both field experts and audiences during their tours in Bulgaria.

More exciting events are planned for this year. On November 9, we will host the music and singing contest inspired by ancient Chinese poetry, titled "Ancient Rhymes in a New Voice – Eternal Classics," featuring Bulgarian groups and performers alongside accompanying cultural activities. Shortly, we will also organize the "China: How and Why" event, inviting more than 10 Chinese experts in the humanities to Bulgaria to deliver a series of lectures on traditional Chinese culture.

The Embassy will continue encouraging cooperation between the two countries in archaeology, arts, music, dance, and opera areas. We invite you to participate in our events and experience the beauty of Chinese culture and art up close.

- Our country has both traditions and ambitions in the field of tourism. However, there is room for improvement in the tourist exchange between our two countries. How do you think this exchange can be strengthened? What could we do to attract more Chinese tourists? 

- Tourism is one of the most important ways to foster closer ties between the people of China and Bulgaria. Bulgaria has a long history and abundant cultural tourism resources, with historical sites ranking among the most significant in Europe, second only to Italy and Greece. However, Bulgaria's overall recognition in the Chinese tourism market could be much higher.

While actively promoting travel from Bulgarian tourists to China, we also encourage Chinese tourists to visit Bulgaria. To this end, we maintain close communication with Bulgarian counterparts to support the expansion of tourism promotion targeting the Chinese market. This includes organizing cultural activities in China, such as film screenings, book publications, and artistic performances, and encouraging Bulgarian tourism companies and operators to participate in international tourism fairs in China.

This year, we organized training programs in China for representatives from leading Bulgarian tourism enterprises. Through on-site visits, they established partnerships with their Chinese counterparts. Additionally, we are mobilizing Chinese travel agencies in Bulgaria to provide suggestions for enhancing the travel experience for Chinese tourists.

For Chinese tourists, the main challenges currently limiting travel to Bulgaria are visa difficulties and the need for direct flights. We hope these issues can be addressed. We also support Bulgaria in working with neighboring countries to develop "multi-stop" travel routes, which is expected of many Chinese tourists. This requires close collaboration between Bulgaria and its neighbors.

- Will the opening of a direct flight route Beijing-Sofia also encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Bulgaria?

- China and Bulgaria have broad prospects for tourism cooperation. The direct cargo flight route operated by Bulgaria's Compass Airlines has received the necessary permits and recently completed its maiden flight. This reflects the direct collaboration between industries and the market demand of both countries.

As China-Bulgaria's economic and trade exchanges and people-to- people interactions become closer and visa policies become more flexible and accommodating, the possibility of opening direct passenger flights between the two countries will soon be very high. Launching direct flights will undoubtedly inject new vitality into the China-Bulgaria tourism market and attract more Chinese tourists to Bulgaria.

Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. On it: H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Bulgaria