Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with the diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union and 27 of its member states in Beijing, China, December 21, 2020. /China's Foreign Ministry
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with the diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union and 27 of its member states in Beijing.
Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, Wang said that the bilateral relations have achieved great progress against the impact of the pandemic.
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He mentioned the China-EU leaders' meeting and the China-Germany-EU leaders' meeting, saying that these meetings have provided strategic guidance for bilateral ties.
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Meanwhile, Wang highlighted the practical cooperation in the development of bilateral relations.
China became the top trading partner of the EU and the two sides signed an agreement on geographical indications (GI), Wang said, adding that the bilateral investment agreement negotiations are underway, and the two sides decided to establish a high-level dialogue on environmental, digital cooperation.
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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during meeting with the diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union and 27 of its member states in Beijing, China, December 21, 2020. /China's Foreign Ministry
Given the increasingly complex and volatile international situation, Wang pointed out that as two important forces in the process of a multi-polar world, the two sides should work jointly in promoting China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership so as to contribute to the sustainable and peaceful development of the world.
For China and the EU, cooperation is far greater than competition, Wang said, stressing dialogue and cooperation in managing differences.
He further added that the two sides should take the opportunity to develop ties as 2021 marks the first year of China's 14th Five-Year-Plan and also the first year of the EU's massive recovery program.
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The diplomatic envoys from the EU said that Europe attaches great importance to China's role in international society, and the EU is willing to work with China to strengthen cooperation and address the global challenges.