BRUSSELS, July 3 — At the 13th round of the China-European Union (EU) High-level Strategic Dialogue on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell agreed to deepen mutual understanding and work together to prepare well for the upcoming leaders' meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation.
Xinhua reported that Wang, who noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), said the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting is drawing broad attention.
The Communist Party of China's Central Committee Political Bureau member added that looking back on the extraordinary journey of China-EU relations over the past five decades, their relationship should be characterised as that of partners rather than rivals, with cooperation as the defining feature and ballast.
The two sides need to handle their differences through dialogue within this framework properly.
He noted that China and Europe have no fundamental conflicts of interest but rather share extensive common interests. Both sides support multilateralism and open cooperation, uphold the central role of the UN and the democratisation of international relations, and are committed to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue.
Facing growing uncertainty and instability in the international landscape, Wang emphasised that China and the EU, as two major forces and economies, should enhance exchanges, mutual understanding and mutual trust, and advance cooperation, in a joint effort to safeguard the post-war international order and provide the world with much-needed certainty.
China is ready to work with the EU to ensure that the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting yields positive outcomes, charting the course for the future growth of China-EU relations.
On issues of peace and security, he said China has the best track record among major countries in today's world. China is not the United States, and its path should not be mirrored against America's historical trajectory.
The differences between China and the EU in history, culture, and values should not warrant rivalry, nor their disagreements necessitate confrontation. Wang noted that while Europe currently faces various challenges, they have never come — and will never come — from China, whether in the past, present or future.
He called on both sides to respect each other, draw on each other's experiences and pursue common development to make new contributions to human progress.
The minister expressed hope that the EU will develop a more objective and rational understanding of China and adopt a more positive and practical policy toward China.
In their comprehensive strategic partnership, it is essential for China and the EU to respect each other and accommodate each other's core interests.
China has consistently supported European integration and the EU's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy and play a constructive role in international affairs, and Wang hopes that the EU will likewise respect China's core interests through concrete actions.
Similarly, the Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and he said that he hopes the European side will strictly adhere to the one-China principle in both word and deed.
In response, Kallas said the EU and China are partners, sharing common responsibilities and having a significant influence on major issues, like upholding the central role of the UN and safeguarding international law and the international order.
She added that the EU remains committed to the one-China policy and stands ready to work with China to prepare for the upcoming leaders' meeting.
Kallas expressed the EU's willingness to strengthen mutual understanding through dialogue, build a more constructive EU-China relationship, and pursue more balanced and equitable economic and trade cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the Iranian nuclear issue.
— Bernama
