Players from the mission and European Commission attended the tournament pose for a group photo in Brussels, June 19, 2014. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

China relationship with the European Union will become closer by increasing people-to-people contact, said Yang Yanyi, the head of the Chinese Mission to the European Union, at the first China-EU Friendship Table Tennis Tournament Opening on June 19 in Brussels.

About 30 players from the team and the European Commission attended the tournament. Chinese citizen Wang Dayong, the national coach for Belgium, also went to the event for coaching.

Today, by holding this tournament, we are not only building up our physiques, but also contributing to the enhancement of our partnership and friendship,” Yang said.

According to her, table tennis is one of the most popular sports in both China and Europe. Table tennis is practiced by old and young as well as men and women. Not only does the sport keep you fit, it also plays an important role in promoting friendship between people of different countries.

The ping-pong diplomacy between China and the United States, which is metaphorically referred to as ‘the small ball moving the big ball’ is a telling story,” she said.