In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, outlined the new blueprint set by the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to deepen reforms and advance Chinese-style modernization.
He emphasized that China's high-quality development and increased openness will create new opportunities for cooperation between China and the EU. Wang highlighted that the consensus between China and the EU far outweighs their differences, underscoring that a healthy, stable, and sustainable relationship benefits both sides and aligns with the expectations of the international community.
Wang advocated for maintaining a committed partnership, adhering to the overall direction of cooperation, respecting each other's will and choices, engaging in equal dialogue, enhancing mutual understanding, and navigating global uncertainties through stable China-EU relations.
He affirmed China's support for European integration and the EU's strategic autonomy, expressing hope that the new EU leadership will adopt a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, objectively view China's development, and facilitate a smooth transition in China-EU relations.
Addressing trade issues, Wang criticized the EU's anti-subsidy investigations into China's electric vehicles as protectionist measures that hinder global green transformation. He called for resolving such disputes through dialogue and consultation to protect the free trade system and economic globalization.
On the EU side, Borrell stressed the importance of Europe-China relations and the EU's independent policy towards China, indicating a willingness to maintain communication to better understand each other's positions. He expressed the EU's support for China's rise and desire to develop a balanced economic and trade relationship.
Borrell also reiterated the EU's commitment to the one-China policy, affirming that Taiwan is not a country and recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China.
The EU values China's peace initiatives in resolving the Ukraine crisis and promoting Palestinian reconciliation, expressing openness to collaborate with China in fostering peace.
Wang elaborated on China's stance on the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing the urgent need to de-escalate the situation and advocating for peace talks and a political solution. He expressed support for the EU's role in developing a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture.
Reference(s):
China's opening up to bring new opportunities for China-EU cooperation
cgtn.com
