Chinese premier congratulates new European Commission president
CGTN
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reiterated Beijing's firm support to the European integration process on Thursday, adding that China hopes the European Union can maintain unity, stability, openness and prosperity. 

Li made the remarks when congratulating Ursula von der Leyen on her election as new president of the European Commission earlier this week. 

The Chinese government always attaches great importance to developing ties with the EU and highly values the European Commission's status and role, Li said in a message. 

China is willing to make joint efforts with the EU to bring their comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, he said, hoping that the fruits of China-EU cooperation will better benefit the people of both sides. 

Von der Leyen, Germany's defense minister from 2013 to 2019, will take office as the first female president of the European Commission to oversee the EU's executive branch in November.