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Wang Yi calls for better relations between China and EU
Updated 12:39, 09-Jul-2021
CGTN
01:03

China and the European Union should handle disputes properly and deepen mutual trust, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday. 

Wang made the remarks via a video conference with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Speaking from Beijing, the Chinese foreign minister said, "China and the EU have a comprehensive strategic partnership, and we are two independent forces in the world, so we believe China and the EU have a responsibility to maintain dialogue and cooperation in our relations."  

He called on the two sides to grasp the main theme of mutual benefit and join hands to address global challenges. 

Wang pointed out China and Europe have no clashes of fundamental interests nor geopolitical conflicts. 

The only proper description for China-Europe relations is the comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang noted, adding that the most important principle in China-Europe exchanges is mutual respect and the search for common ground while shelving differences. 

He also said the two sides should get mutual perceptions right and steer clear of massive disruptions to move China-Europe relations forward in a sound and steady manner. 

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks via a video conference with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, July 8, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks via a video conference with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, July 8, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang voiced China's support for the EU to strengthen its strategic autonomy and develop China-EU relations and cooperation with a truly independent spirit.  

The two sides should fully leverage the role of the China-EU Summit in providing strategic guidance to China-EU relations, release positive signals, enhance confidence in China-EU relations from all walks of life, and promote fruitful cooperation in key areas, Wang said. 

He stressed the most urgent task is to strengthen communication and coordination on vaccines, medical treatment, joint prevention and control of the pandemic, and focus on providing more substantive support to developing countries. 

Wang also called for forging partnerships for green and digital cooperation, in order to promote positive interaction between China and Europe and create synergy effects. 

Referring to the so-called "rules-based international order," Wang noted rules should be formulated by the international community, rather than ones engaging in "family rules" and "gang rules" and forced impositions on others. 

"All countries should uphold the international system underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the international order underpinned by international law." 

Wang reiterated China's position on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and human rights issues, stressing China's unwavering will and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and national dignity and its opposition to all kinds of hypocritical "lecturers." 

As the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks its century anniversary, Wang highlighted the Party's "people-centered" philosophy and fundamental purpose of wholeheartedly serving the people. 

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a video conference with Josep Borrell, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, July 8, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a video conference with Josep Borrell, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, July 8, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Borrell told Wang that differences should not prevent contact and exchanges between the two sides, adding that there is scope for more cooperation on the environment, finance, sports and pandemic control despite differences. 

He called on two sides to develop a strong and sincere relationship. 

China's rapid development is an objective fact and in line with the historical trend, Borrell said, adding that the EU has no intention to engage in institutional confrontation, does not subscribe to the "new Cold War" and small circles, and does not intend to plunge European-Chinese relations into instability. 

The EU's foreign policy chief also urged joint efforts for pushing the China-EU investment agreement to enter into force, saying it is in the interest of both sides. 

EU believes that international rules refer to the rules formulated by UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as those set under the multilateral framework of the UN, Borrell stressed. 

He added, the EU does not agree to impose unilateral sanctions on other countries or impose its will on others based on domestic laws.  

The EU insists on its own values, but it respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not support "Hong Kong independence," Borrell said.  

Wang and Borrell agreed that the video conference was timely and useful, saying the frank exchange of views with each other is conducive to enhancing trust and clearing doubts.  

Both sides agreed to continue uninterrupted strategic communication. 

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