Post-pandemic prospects

Speaking last month, during a video conference with European Union leaders, President Xi Jinping said China is willing to join hands with the European side to push for a more stable and mature relationship in the post-pandemic era and lift bilateral ties to new heights.

"Our two major economies should play the role as dual engines of the world economy, drive the recovery of the global economy, jointly support a scientific and orderly resumption of work and production, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, and keep global industrial and supply chains stable and smooth," Xi said.

Amid efforts to expand common interests in China-EU cooperation, the China-Europe rail transport service, which was initiated in 2011, is expected to play an increasingly important role in the post-pandemic era.

The freight trains that link China and Europe have become symbols of mutual benefit, Rios said.

Benhami said, "If we refer to the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative, we notice that the land route brings hope for both French and Chinese companies." He added that the initiative brings new opportunities for economic development.

Wu, the ambassador, said the Yiwu-Madrid line can play an important role in cross-border e-commerce between China and Spain.