China-EU ties have more significant global influence in turbulent world: Chinese VP

Amid the current turbulent international situation, the relationship between China and the European Union (EU) holds increased strategic significance and global influence, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said on Tuesday.

Han made the remarks when addressing a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU in Beijing.

Han said that since the establishment of China-EU ties 50 years ago, exchange and dialogue between the two sides have become increasingly close, the integration of interests has deepened, and the scale and level of cooperation have been greatly improved, which has contributed to the development of both sides, and benefited the world.

No clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts exists between China and the EU, making them partners that can contribute to each other's success, Han said.

He said that both sides should seize the opportunity presented by the 50th anniversary of their ties, uphold their original intentions in establishing diplomatic relations, work to grasp the general trend of their ties accurately, adhere to the established positioning of their partnership, promote the continuous positive development of China-EU relations, and uphold the principles of mutual respect, openness and cooperation, as well as mutual benefits and win-win results.

Before the reception, Han met with former European Council President Charles Michel and representatives of EU envoys to China, noting that China and the EU have fully resumed exchange between their legislatures, providing new impetus for the development of China-EU ties.

Facing the complex and volatile international situation, China and the EU, as two major forces that play stabilizing and constructive roles in the world, should shoulder their due responsibilities, enhance dialogue, deepen cooperation, handle economic and trade differences properly, and work together to safeguard the rules and order of multilateral trade, Han said.

The EU side said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, the EU-China relationship has become one of the closest relationships in the world.

Both sides should review and summarize their experience and inspirations, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, lay a solid foundation for further development of EU-China relations over the next 50 years, and inject stability and certainty into the world, the EU side said.

China-EU ties have more significant global influence in turbulent world: Chinese VP

China-EU ties have more significant global influence in turbulent world: Chinese VP

China-EU ties have more significant global influence in turbulent world: Chinese VP

China-EU ties have more significant global influence in turbulent world: Chinese VP

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation