Delegates pose for a group picture at the Diplomats Sports Festival 2025 in Beijing, on June 15, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of organizers

China-Europe Sports Day and the Diplomats Sports Festival 2025 was held at Beijing Sport University on June 15 in Beijing, as organizers aimed to enhance friendly exchanges between China and European diplomatic missions.

The year 2025's tournament - marking over two decades of diplomatic sports exchanges - coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, making it a symbolic milestone in bilateral relations. 

Over the past half a century, China and Europe have seen increasingly close dialogue, deeper integration of interests, and expanded cooperation across multiple levels.

The event featured competitions in mixed and men's doubles tennis, men's and women's singles table tennis, and seven‑a‑side football, with participants including officials and representatives from the General Administration of Sport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and diplomatic missions of European countries in China. Additionally, some delegates played uniball.

Beyond the contests for China-Europe Sports day, the grounds of the Beijing Sport University featured a vibrant cultural zone showcasing various types of Chinese intangible cultural heritage - including lacquer fan and kite-making workshops - and traditional sports activities like tai chi, arrow pitching (touhu), and ancient Chinese golf (chuiwan). 

This immersive setup offered diplomats, delegates and guests a hands‑on experience of China's rich traditions, deepening cultural understanding beyond the language barrier.

Prior to the inauguration, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying addressed the assembly alongside General Administration of Sport Deputy Director Zhang Jiasheng. 

Hua expressed hope that the tournament's camaraderie would spur future growth in China-Europe relations. 

Zhang highlighted sport as the universal language of humanity and a bridge between civilizations, conveying his aspiration that participants would leave with newfound friendship and success.

In his remarks, Slovenia's Ambassador to China Bostjan Malovrh, speaking on behalf of the European co‑leadership in the China-Central and Eastern European Countries sports coordination mechanism, praised the event as a testament to Slovenia and Croatia's firm commitment to advancing the initiative. 

"Sport represents teamwork, healthy competition, and mutual respect - values that translate across all sectors, including business and diplomacy," he said.

As a vibrant collision of athleticism and heritage, this year's tournament served not only as a sporting contest but as a powerful platform for reinforcing friendly ties and expanding cooperation between China and Europe, organizers said in a press release.

The Diplomats Sports Festival is set to continue fostering such cultural‑sports exchanges, fueling ongoing dialogue and collaboration across broader fields while carrying forward the dynamic legacy of the China‑Europe partnership, it noted.

The Diplomats Sports Festival was hosted by the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of International Cooperation of the General Administration of Sport of China.