On the morning of May 13, 2025, Founding Chairman of  the CIIDS Zheng Bijian met with Mr. Romano Prodi, former Italian Prime Minister and former President of the European Commission at CIIDS. The two   sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern including ways to strengthen China–Europe cooperation.

Zheng warmly welcomed Prodi and his delegation on their visit to CIIDS. He reflected on their friendship more than 20 years and expressed appreciation for Prodi’s contributions to China–Europe relations over the years. Zheng briefed Prodi on the work of CIIDS and its Understanding China undertaking, and cordially invited him to participate in the Understanding China Conference and work together to help the international community gain a better understanding of China and Europe for the benefits of China’s peaceful rise and Europe’s peaceful re-development.

Prodi stated that the current international political landscape is undergoing profound changes with China playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. He noted that both China and Europe want a pluralistic and multipolar world, and now is the time to further strengthen China–Europe cooperation. He expressed his readiness to work with Zheng and CIIDS to continue striving for strategic and practiced cooperation between China and Europe. And he would actively consider attending this year’s Understanding China Conference.

Distinguished Vice Chairman of CIIDS Zhou Hong, Vice Chairman Feng Wei, Daniele De Giovanni, Adjoint Professor at the University of Bologna, Wang Qinghong, Executive Director of the China–Europe Philanthropy Innovation Research Center at Peking University attended the meeting.