China, EU major forces for stable multipolar world: ambassador

The Chinese ambassador to the European Union has stressed that China and Europe are two major forces in building a multipolar world, two big markets supporting globalization, and two great civilizations advocating diversity. He called on both sides to maintain a sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

Ambassador Cai Run made the remarks at the 13th China-Europe Forum in Brussels on Thursday.

He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. It is also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties.

He called on China and the EU to take the important consensus reached by their leaders as guidance and keep China-EU relations on the right course.

Noting the high-level exchanges this year, Cai said the main task for both sides is to work faster to deliver on the important consensus reached between the leaders and outcomes of their meetings, seize opportunities, properly handle differences and frictions, and promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

China and the EU should respect each other's social systems and development paths independently chosen by their respective peoples, and support each other's core interests and major concerns, he said.

China and the EU are partners, not rivals, Cai stressed, saying that China regards Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports Europe in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

Speaking on the Taiwan question, the Chinese envoy said it concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and stands at the very heart of China's core interests. It is a red line that must not be crossed.

China urges the EU to abide by the one-China principle and uphold the correct position, respecting China's core interests and major concerns on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and human rights.

He called on China and the EU to properly manage economic and trade differences and frictions in order to further expand economic cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and work to build a more just and equitable international order.