Xi Holds Virtual Summit with Leaders of France, Germany
“The global Development Initiative (GDI) is another major initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping after the belt and road Initiative. It is another clarion call to mobilize global development cooperation and another endorsement of putting people front and center as a core concept of human rights. The initiative has drawn up a roadmap for narrowing the north-south gap and addressing development imbalances, and given a boost to the 2030 agenda. China will work with all countries to pursue and follow through on the GDI.”
– State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi indicated at a press conference about China’s foreign policy and external relations on March 7, 2022.
“China and europe are two major forces for world peace, two big markets for common development, and two great civilizations for human progress. The China-europe relationship is not targeted at any third party, nor is it subjugated to or controlled by any third party. Dialogue and cooperation between the two sides on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit will add more stabilizing factors to an unstable world.”
– State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi indicated at a press conference about China’s foreign policy and external relations on March 7, 2022.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on March 8.
Noting that China and the EU share much common understanding on promoting peace, seeking development, and advancing cooperation, Xi said that responsibilities must be shouldered to bring more stability and certainty to a turbulent and fluid world.
Xi said it is important for the two sides to enhance dialogue, stay committed to cooperation, and promote steady and sustained progress in China-eu relations.
China’s development will create broader space for China-eu cooperation, Xi said, adding that the two sides must, under the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results, further deepen green and digital partnerships as well as practical cooperation in various fields.
Macron and Scholz indicated that the European side values the important and positive role of China in global affairs and is willing to engage in close cooperation with China to jointly tackle climate change, public health, and other major global challenges.
The leaders exchanged views on key issues of the current situation in Ukraine.
France and Germany support reaching a settlement through negotiation and giving peace a chance, Macron and Scholz indicated.
The two leaders said the two countries are ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote talks for peace and prevent further escalation of the situation that may worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Xi stressed that the current situation in Ukraine is worrisome, and the Chinese side is deeply grieved by the outbreak of war again on the European continent.
China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, purposes and principles of the UN Charter be fully observed, legitimate security concerns of all countries be taken seriously, and all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis be supported, Xi stressed. The pressing task at the moment is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or spiraling out of control, Xi noted.
We need to call for maximum restraint to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis, Xi said, adding that China has put forward a six-point initiative on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and stands ready to provide Ukraine with further humanitarian aid supplies.
We need to work together to reduce the negative impact of the crisis, Xi said, adding that relevant sanctions will affect global finance, energy, transportation and stability of supply chains, and dampen the global economy that is already ravaged by the pandemic. And this is in the interest of no one.
We need to actively advocate a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, Xi said.