The Chinese Mission to the European Union on Friday urged the EU not to let ideologies and geopolitics hijack bilateral relations a day after the latter adopted a new EU-China strategy.

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted the new strategy that sees China as an "economic competitor" and a "systemic rival" in an increasing number of areas and calls for a more "assertive, comprehensive and consistent" EU-China strategy.

The spokesperson of the Chinese mission said China opposes the new strategy report, saying it makes unwarranted comments on China's political, economic, social and foreign policies and criticizes China on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan based on bias and lies.

"This constitutes a gross interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of basic norms in international relations as well as the EU's commitment on relevant issues. China is firmly opposed to it," said the spokesperson.

Over the past 40-plus years, differences in the political system and development path have not hindered bilateral cooperation, and the key to a steady China-EU relationship is to show mutual respect and stick to dialogue and cooperation, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson noted that some MEPs see China as a strategic partner for the EU and believe that mutually beneficial relations are of strategic importance for China and the EU and international stability.

"We hope that the EU side will pay attention to these rational voices, take a comprehensive and objective view of China's development and do more to promote the development of bilateral relations," said the spokesperson.

(Cover: File photo of an EU flag flutters at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. /CFP)