China expects Malta to act as a bridge between China, EU

China expects Malta to act as a bridge between China and the European Union (EU), and to push the EU to pursue a more objective, rational and positive policy towards China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg in Beijing.

Wang stressed that China regards the EU as an important and independent pole in a multipolar world, is pleased to see it develop and supports it in strengthening its strategic autonomy.

He noted that China and the EU are first and foremost partners, and cooperation should be the keynote of China-EU relations.

Borg said that the EU and China have vast areas of cooperation, and should practically view and deal with possible competition and differences between the two sides. Malta will continue to play an active role in promoting the development of EU-China relations, he added.

In terms of bilateral ties, Wang said that China and Malta harbor friendly feelings for each other and have always understood, respected and trusted each other.

Noting the two countries have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and are embarking on a new journey for the next 50 years, Wang said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Malta and make this relationship a good example of equality between countries of different sizes.

He urged the two sides to implement the broad consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen exchanges, deepen mutual trust, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and cooperation in various fields to go deeper with solid progress.

China and Malaysia share the view that the world needs solidarity and cooperation, and can strengthen coordination in multilateral arenas such as the United Nations to jointly address global challenges and advance the building of a global community of shared future.

Borg said that the Maltese side unswervingly adheres to the one-China policy, and is committed to actively participating in the Belt and Road cooperation.

Noting he will attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Borg said that he is devoted to promoting more high-quality Maltese products exported to China and strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.

(Cover: A file photo of Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)