Wang Yi Holds the 12th Round of China-eu High-level Strategic Dialogue with Josep Borrell

On October 13, 2023, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister, with Josep Borrell, high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held the 12th round of China-eu High-level Strategic Dialogue in Beijing.

Wang Yi said the China-europe relationship has its own internal logic and is not influenced or interfered with by third parties. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinaeu comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides have resumed exchanges at all levels and successfully held high-level meetings in the green, digital, economic, and trade fields, resulting in new consensus and outcomes demonstrating the resilience and vitality of China-eu relations.

Wang Yi said that economic issues should not be politicized, and both sides should jointly uphold free trade and maintain the principle of fair competition.

Borrell said the EU has no intention of closing its doors to China, engaging in a trade war, or restricting China’s development.

Borrell said the EU looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in areas such as climate change and seeks to establish a more balanced and equal economic and trade relationship in order to accumulate tangible achievements for the Eu-china leaders’ meeting and provide a fair and just business environment for enterprises.

“China is closely following the escalating conflict between Palestine and Israel. We’re deeply saddened by the civilian casualties and oppose and condemn acts that harm civilians. We oppose moves that escalate the conflict and destabilize the region, and hope fighting will stop and peace will return soon. The international community needs to play an effective role to jointly help cool down the situation. To end the cycle of conflict between Palestine and Israel, it is essential to restart the peace talks, implement the two-state solution, and settle the Palestinian question fully and properly through political means at an early date so as to take care of each party’s legitimate concerns. China will continue to work relentlessly with the international community towards this end.” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on October 12, 2023.