China hopes that Belgium will play an active and constructive role within the European Union (EU) in facilitating the proper handling of EU-China economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while holding talks with Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot in Beijing.

Highlighting the China-Belgium all-round friendly cooperative partnership, Wang said the two sides share extensive common interests as they both advocate political settlement of disputes through dialogue and upholding international law.

China is willing to, together with Belgium, uphold mutual respect, seek common ground while managing differences, maintain close dialogue and communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly elevate China-Belgium relations to a new level, Wang added.

The two sides exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern. Wang expounded China's principled position, and Prevot appreciated China's efforts to help ease regional tensions and its commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, expressing Belgium's willingness to maintain close communication with China.

Stressing that Belgium-China ties are more important than ever, Prevot said Belgium firmly adheres to the one-China policy and abides by relevant UN resolutions.

On economic and trade issues, Prevot said Belgium does not agree with protectionism and is willing to strengthen communication and dialogue with China in a positive, open and constructive manner to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Prevot said Belgium is willing to uphold multilateralism, safeguard international law and play a positive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations.