China ‘shocked’ by German FM’s ‘one Europe’ warning

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China reiterated its support for European integration on Thursday after German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned European Union states against being divided over relations with Beijing.

Gabriel was quoted in German media as saying that "if we do not succeed, for example, in developing a single strategy towards China, then China will succeed in dividing Europe."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying expressed “shock” at Gabriel's remarks, saying on Thursday that China has been “steadfast”, publicly and privately, in its support of European integration.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel (L) attend a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on May 24, 2017. ‍ /AFP Photo

“We hope that he can clarify what he means by ‘one Europe’ and whether there is a consensus on ‘one Europe’ among EU members,” she said at a press conference in Beijing. “I believe that what he said about China trying to split Europe does not represent most European people's thinking.”

“The EU is a regional organization composed of sovereign states, not a sovereign country itself. Other countries could develop relations with the institutions of the EU and its member states. They do not exclude or contradict each other. Actually, it is a fact happening as we speak,” she said.

Gabriel failed to elaborate on the remarks, which he made during a visit to Paris on Wednesday.

“We hope that the relevant person could view China-EU relations with an objective and open mind, instead of a zero-sum one and stop making such irresponsible remarks that will not help enhance mutual trust and cooperation,” Hua added.

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