Wang, leading European Union official hold talks
China has called on the European Union to perceive one another in a correct manner, fend off disturbances from various parties and promote the healthy and stable growth of their relations on the right track.
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell via video link on Thursday.
During the talks, Wang elaborated on China’s principles and stands on issues related to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Hong Kong and human rights — thorny issues that have recently clouded two-way ties.
Wang restated Beijing’s unswerving determination to safeguard sovereignty and national dignity, as well as its objection to hypocritical lecturing in this regard.
Borrell said that the EU adheres to its own values, but it respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not support “independence” for Hong Kong.
Wang added that China and the EU are two major independent forces in the world today, and it is their duty to make dialogue, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win situations prevail in their ties, not to mention jointly tackling global challenges.
As they have neither major conflicts of interest nor geopolitical contradictions, their ties should be nothing but a comprehensive strategic partnership, and they should prioritize mutual respect and seek common ground while shelving differences, Wang said.
He voiced Beijing’s support for the EU’s advancing its strategic autonomy as well as its developing relations and cooperation with China in a truly independent approach.
When introducing official views on EU-China ties, Borrell said EU-China cooperation is fundamental and strategic, it is not one of the options, but a necessary choice, and both sides should manage differences instead of letting them undermine exchanges and cooperation.
China’s rapid development is a fact and is in line with historical trends, and the EU has no intention of engaging in institution-based confrontation with China, Borrell added. He said Brussels does not subscribe to the idea of having a “new Cold War”, and it has no intention of destabilizing EU-China ties.
During the talks, Wang said the two sides should give full play to the guiding role of the China-EU high-level exchange mechanisms, send positive signals, bolster confidence in China-EU ties and advance cooperation in key areas for more results, he said.
Borrell said the EU is willing to resume contact and dialogue with China and boost cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, climate change and in support of biodiversity protections.
The enactment of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment is in the interests of both sides, he added.
In response to “rules-based international order” proposed by Washington and some of its allies, Wang said rules should be jointly created by the international community rather than by groups, and rules should not be imposed upon others. Borrell said the EU does not agree with the practice of imposing unilateral sanctions on other countries.