Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the positioning of China-EU relations should be that of partnership, the mainstream tone should be cooperation, the key value should be independence, and the development prospects should be win-win.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.
Wang said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, which is of historic significance in building on the past and ushering in the future.
China-EU cooperation started from scratch and has grown from strength to strength, and today, the daily trade volume between China and the EU is equivalent to the total annual trade volume in the past, he said.
Wang said that China-EU relations have been continuously elevated, and the two sides have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, noting that the two sides should take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to comprehensively review and confirm the important experience and insights history has given us.
Both sides should, through this year's high-level exchanges, cherish the painstaking efforts made in the past, carry forward the hard-won spirit of cooperation, and jointly open up a new chapter for the next 50 years of China-EU relations that will be more resilient and independent, more mature and stable, and more visionary and enduring.
Wang pointed out that at present, some people are attempting to talk down China-EU relations, or to exaggerate specific issues, turn the economic and trade matters into security issues, or to cling to bias against China, wrapping themselves in a cocoon of disinformation.
Yet, denying the achievements of the past is to lose sight of the way forward, and failing to respect the hard work of those who came before is tantamount to denying oneself today, said the Chinese Foreign Minister.
The trend of the times toward progress is unstoppable and China-EU relations will only move forward, not pause or go backward, Wang said, noting that China's policy toward the EU remains stable and consistent.
China supports European integration, support Europe's strategic autonomy, and support Europe in becoming an important pole in a multipolar world.
Wang said that regardless of whether Europe is in favorable or adverse circumstances, China's policy has never changed. No matter how the international and European situations may change, China's position remains consistent.
Today's international landscape is marked by frequent turbulence, and China stands as the most important force for stability and the most reliable source of certainty in the world.
On peace and security, China has the best record among major countries, Wang said, noting that China has never instigated wars or participated in conflicts, nor does it engage in geopolitical rivalry.
He noted that in the recovery and development of the world economy, China contributes around 30 percent to global economic growth annually, and the country is accelerating high-level opening-up and fostering a more market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment.
On international and regional disputes, China remains committed to political settlement through dialogue and consultation, opposes the use of force, rejects unilateral sanctions, adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially medium and small-sized countries.
Wang stressed that China's development represents a growing force for peace in the world today, saying that China is here, ready to open its arms to all countries, including European countries that wish to cooperate with China, to share opportunities, jointly protect the only planet where humans live, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
China-EU relations should be positioned as partnership: FM
