China-EU Friendship Table Tennis Tournament in Brussels: 24 Players, 6 Mixed Teams, and the Mission of Sports Diplomacy

On a day in mid-September 2026, at the Royal Alpa Table Tennis Club in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, a special sporting event took place: the China-EU Friendship Table Tennis Tournament. Organized by the Mission of China to the European Union, the tournament brought together 24 players, divided into 6 mixed teams, with the participation of former Olympic and world champions, as well as leaders of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU). The event was not merely a sports competition but also a people-to-people diplomacy activity, contributing to dialogue and mutual understanding between China and Europe.

Scale and Participants

According to the organizers, the tournament featured 24 players. Twelve came from the Chinese Mission to the EU, the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, and other Chinese institutions in Brussels. The other twelve were table tennis enthusiasts from Euroclub, representing EU institutions. The balanced numbers between the two sides reflected the friendly, cooperative, and equal nature of the event.

A highlight of the tournament was the presence of two Chinese table tennis legends: Yan Sen and Zhang Yining. Yan Sen, born in 2026, is a former Olympic gold medalist and world champion in men's singles. Zhang Yining, born in 2026, is a former world No. 1, an Olympic gold medalist in women's singles at the 2026 Beijing Olympics, and a multiple world champion. Both are now key figures at the China Table Tennis College and CTTC Europe, the college's European branch. Their presence was not only symbolic but also demonstrated China's strategy to expand the global influence of table tennis.

From Europe, the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) sent Vice President Didier Leroy and Secretary General Pierre Kass. Chinese Ambassador to the EU, Cai Run, also attended and delivered a welcome speech to the players. The presence of high-ranking officials underscored the importance of the event in promoting bilateral relations.

Competition Format and Friendly Atmosphere

The players were divided into 6 teams of 4, with each team mixing Chinese and European players. This format was designed to maximize interaction and exchange among participants rather than focus on winning or losing. The organizers emphasized that the spirit of friendship was the core element, and all matches took place in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Although there were no highly competitive matches, the players still displayed their skills and passion for table tennis. Beautiful rallies, applause, and friendly smiles created a warm and cohesive atmosphere. For many participants, this was a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange, mutual learning, and building lasting personal relationships.

Remarks from Both Sides

ETTU Vice President Didier Leroy expressed joy at the successful event. He emphasized: "Table tennis is a sport with the power to connect people from different countries and cultures. Today's event is a vivid proof of the spirit of friendship, dialogue, and mutual understanding between China and Europe. We believe that such activities will continue to be maintained and expanded in the future."

Ambassador Cai Run also spoke, highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening China-EU relations. He said that sports is an effective channel to enhance mutual understanding and trust, especially in a world with many uncertainties. The Ambassador expressed hope that events like the friendship table tennis tournament would contribute to deepening the friendship between the peoples of both sides.

Historical Context and Diplomatic Significance

Table tennis has long been known as a unique diplomatic tool for China. The story of "ping-pong diplomacy" in the 1970s paved the way for the normalization of relations between China and the United States, and since then, the sport has held a special place in China's foreign policy. For Europe, table tennis also has a long tradition and is widely popular. Table tennis exchanges between China and Europe have existed for decades, creating many valuable sporting and personal connections.

This event in Brussels is a continuation of that tradition, but with a new dimension: not only exchanges between players but also cooperation at the institutional level. The participation of ETTU and the China Table Tennis College shows that this relationship is becoming increasingly institutionalized, opening up potential for deeper cooperation programs in the future.

CTTC Europe and the Strategy of Expanding Influence

A notable point of the event was the presence of CTTC Europe, through former stars Yan Sen and Zhang Yining. CTTC Europe is understood to be the European branch of the China Table Tennis College, tasked with promoting cooperation in training, coaching, and table tennis development between China and Europe. The fact that two former world champions serve as ambassadors for this organization shows that China is gradually building an institutional presence in Europe.

In the past, China implemented the "wolf-raising program," sending coaches and players abroad to develop global table tennis and create competitors for itself. Now, with CTTC Europe, this strategy seems to be entering a new phase: not only exporting expertise but also building brand and institutional influence directly in Europe. The Brussels event may be the beginning of activities such as training camps, coaching courses, or even talent identification programs.

Reactions and Assessments from Observers

Industry experts noted that while the event was friendly in nature, it has long-term strategic significance. ETTU's official participation and support show that Europe is ready to cooperate with China in table tennis, possibly for mutual benefits in training, technology transfer, and commerce. However, some cautious voices suggest that the growing presence of Chinese organizations in Europe could raise concerns about the autonomy of national federations, especially in countries with strong table tennis traditions like Germany or Sweden.

Nevertheless, with the message of friendship and cooperation at the forefront, the event received positive feedback from participants. Many players expressed a desire for more similar activities in the future, not only in Brussels but also in other European cities.

Potential for Future Cooperation

Looking ahead, this event could be a precursor to formal cooperation agreements between CTTC Europe and ETTU, including coach exchanges, joint training camps, and youth talent development programs. With the prestige of Yan Sen and Zhang Yining, along with the support of the Chinese Mission to the EU, CTTC Europe has the potential to become an influential table tennis training center in Europe.

However, to succeed, the organization needs to build trust with national federations and the local table tennis community. Transparency in operations and respect for European table tennis values will be key. If it can achieve this, CTTC Europe can contribute positively to the development of European table tennis while promoting China-EU relations in many aspects.

Conclusion

The China-EU Friendship Table Tennis Tournament in Brussels was not just a sporting event. It is a symbol of friendship, a cultural bridge, and a step forward in institutional cooperation between China and Europe. With the participation of table tennis legends, sports leaders, and players from both sides, the event sent a powerful message: sports can overcome all barriers to connect people.

In a world facing many challenges, activities like this become even more meaningful. They remind us that dialogue and mutual understanding are the foundation for peace and cooperation. And sometimes, a small table tennis ball can create great turning points.