China attaches great importance to China-European Union (EU) economic and trade relations and has maintained close communication with the EU at various levels, He Yadong, spokesman of China's Ministry of Commerce, said on Thursday.
He made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing in response to a media query about possible high-level economic and trade dialog between China and the EU.
"China and Europe are each other's major trading partners. China attaches great importance to China-EU economic and trade relations and has maintained close communication with the EU at various levels to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. China has strengthened coordination with the EU on multilateral issues, including those within the framework of the World Trade Organization, and is committed to properly resolving economic and trade frictions through dialog and consultation," said He.
"This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. China stands ready to work with the EU to fully implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both sides, actively promote the higher-quality development of China-EU economic and trade cooperation, address each other's concerns, and jointly prepare for economic and trade topics and outcomes for high-level exchanges between China and the EU," said the spokesman.
China, EU maintain close communication: commerce ministry
China, EU maintain close communication: commerce ministry
China, EU maintain close communication: commerce ministry
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
