On January 27, 2021, President Xi Jinping sent a message to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on his re-election as President of Portugal.

Xi Jinping pointed out in the message that China-Portugal relations have stood the test of the COVID-19 pandemic since last year. The traditional friendship between the two countries has shown new vitality. The anti-pandemic and public health cooperation has made new strides while practical cooperation has continued to make new progress. Xi Jinping said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Portugal relations, and stands ready to work with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to push for new achievements in bilateral ties in a bid to benefit the two countries and peoples.