Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that "China and the European Union (EU) should not be each other's systemic rivals," but "comprehensive strategic partners."

Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session on Sunday, when answering a question about current China-EU relations. He said, this year, the diplomatic agenda between China and EU has certainly been influenced by the pandemic, but leaders from both sides "will keep in close contact in preparation for the 22nd China-EU leadership conference."

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China and EU diplomatic ties, and Wang emphasized that according to past experience, China and the EU can always tackle challenges and solve conflicts through impartial and constructive dialogue.

During the coronavirus, China and European countries are supporting each other to combat the pandemic. Wang said, just like the European proverb, "Good friends never give up on each other."

Wang noted that China and Europe should let go of ideological differences and suspicions. Instead, both sides should work hand in hand to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Wang Yi pointed out that, "China-EU interactions should be a positive cycle that enable our mutual success, not a knock-out match which results in only one winner."