The European Union (EU) and China are enjoying a stronger and more effective partnership, an EU official said in Brussels on Thursday.

"People-to-people exchanges have been widening, and Chinese tourists to Europe are increasing," said Vale de Almeida, director-general for external relations in the European Commission, while addressing a reception marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

Statistics show that nearly 200,000 Chinese students are studying in Europe while more than 150,000 EU citizens are now working in China.

In May 1975, then Vice President of the European Commission Christopher Soames paid a visit to China during which a decision was made to establish diplomatic ties between China and the European Economic Community.

Since then, significant changes have taken place in both Europe and China. Bilateral relations have evolved from being "constructive" to "comprehensive," and to today's "comprehensive strategic partnership."

"Though we are ancient civilizations, China and Europe are taking up roles as major powers today," said Song Zhe, Chinese ambassador to the EU. "We commit ourselves to closer communication and coordination in international and regional affairs for a multipolar world and stronger global governance."

Thirty-five years ago, the annual bilateral trade volume was only 2.4 billion U.S. dollars. Today, the EU has become China's largest trading partner and export market, as well as the biggest source of import and technology transfer, while China is the EU's second largest trading partner and fastest-growing export market.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's recent visit to China and attendance at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo are believed to reflect the strategic vision of the EU leadership and send a strong positive political message to the rest of the world.

During his talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Barroso and Wen pledged to continue to support each other and were committed to viewing and developing China-EU relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.

They also vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and jointly tackle global challenges such as the financial crisis, climate change and energy security.

Barroso attended Thursday's reception, which attracted over 200 Chinese and European delegates. He was invited to unveil a special envelop marking the 35th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties.