Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference that China and Europe are partners, not opponents, and certainly not "systemic rivals."

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in response to queries on China-EU relations after delivering a speech at the "China in the World" session of the Munich Security Conference.

He noted that China and Europe have engaged with each other for over half a century, and the extensive outcomes achieved are sufficient proof of this partnership. The daily trade volume between China and the EU now exceeds $2 billion, surpassing the total trade volume for the entire year prior to the establishment of diplomatic relations, and hundreds of cooperation mechanisms are operating continuously.

He emphasized that the concept of "systemic rivalry" reflects a negative mindset and is a misperception. If such rhetoric continues to be amplified or sensationalized, it will cause harmful interference and impact the future of China-Europe relations.

Wang pointed out that although China and Europe have different social systems, values and development models, these differences stem from their respective historical and cultural backgrounds and are the choices of their peoples. Differences should not be a reason for rivalry, nor should disagreements be grounds for confrontation. The correct approach is to respect, appreciate and learn from each other, achieve common development and jointly illuminate the world.

Citing ancient Chinese wisdom, Wang said, "All living things may grow side by side without harming one another, and different roads may run in parallel without interfering with one another," adding that "a gentleman seeks harmony but not uniformity."

He said this reflects the pursuit of harmonious coexistence while recognizing differences – a principle known as the way of a gentleman – and added that both China and Europe should act in accordance with this principle.

He stressed that both China and Europe should act as honorable partners and follow the path of mutual respect. Especially in the face of the current volatile and intertwined international situation, China and Europe should join hands to jointly uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the United Nations, jointly oppose unilateralism and bloc confrontation, he said.

Wang also called for joint efforts to implement the four global initiatives proposed by China and build a fairer, more reasonable global governance system, which is a shared direction for China-Europe cooperation.

(With input from Xinhua)