Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Belgium plays a pivotal role in boosting confidence and strengthening ties between China and the EU amid rising geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, said a Chinese scholar.
Speaking in an interview to China Global Television Network (CGTN), Cui Hongjian, director of the Center for European Union and Regional Development Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, made the remarks after Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever met Wang on Tuesday, with the two sides pledging to deepen exchanges and enhance mutual trust.
During the meeting, Wang emphasized that China and the EU should act as an "anchor of stability" globally, fostering a partnership built on mutual support and strength.
Cui applauded the opinion, highlighting the importance of revitalized China-EU cooperation in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges.
"If we look at the current background, especially from international relations, and also more and more geopolitical tensions and even for the geo-economic competition, I think it's time for both China and the European Union to reconfirm the principle of cooperation. As we know, the European side always strengthened its role as an anchor of stability for the world, including the security issue and also the economic issue. So I think this time for Minister Wang, he will try to make use of some concepts familiar with the European people and reconfirm that China is willing to work together with the European Union and to do something more to help the situation, not only for this peace issue, [but] also for economic cooperation," he said.
Cui emphasized that the China-EU relationship stands at a crucial juncture, saying it is essential for both sides to uphold the principle of cooperation rather than labeling each other as rivals.
"I think now the very important principle for China-EU relations; firstly, we need to [outline] the position of corporation, not just follow some wrong direction to define China as a competitor and also rival. But of course, for both sides, we need to enhance this corporation economically and not only just continue with traditional corporation in manufacturing or some others. And indeed, I think the more important thing and also a more pressing issue for both sides is how could we open some new areas, including green transition and also digital economy, and AI and so on. So if we, I mean for both China and the European Union, continue with this cooperation and also to keep their relations on a stable track, I believe that there is a lot of potential for both sides to have some more cooperation, even in some emerging and new areas," the scholar said.
Chinese FM's visit to Belgium injects new impetus into China-EU cooperation: scholar
