President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with European Council President Charles Michel

On the morning of December 1, 2022, President Xi Jinping held talks with the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Beijing.

President Xi noted that maintaining an onward and upward momentum in the China-eu relationship and keeping it mutually beneficial serves the interests of both sides and benefits the international community.

He stressed that China will firmly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, uphold its foreign policy goals of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, and stay committed to promoting a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi said that China’s development represents a growing force for world peace, and China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism. This is a solemn political pledge made by the Communist Party of China (CPC). It reflects the will of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people. With stability of institutions, governance, policy, and development — China has the confidence and ability to provide much needed certainty and stability to the international community.

Xi pointed out that Chinese modernization and European integration are the choices that China and Europe have made in light of their respective visions of the future. There should be mutual understanding and support between the two sides. China looks forward to seeing the EU become an important partner in China’s pursuit of Chinese modernization and share in the opportunities brought by China’s huge market and China’s efforts to advance institutional openingup and deepen international cooperation.

President Xi made the following four observations on the development of China-eu relations. First, it is important to keep the right perception. Second, it is important to properly manage differences. Third, it is important to carry out cooperation at a higher level. Fourth, it is important to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international affairs.

President Michel noted that the EU values the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting at the highest level with China shortly after the 20th CPC National Congress. The EU stands ready for an in-depth discussion with China on important issues concerning various aspects of Eu-china relations in the spirit of mutual respect and candor in a bid to increase mutual understanding, promote dialogue and cooperation, and manage differences properly. The EU pursues strategic autonomy and stays committed to building its own capacity and pressing ahead with European integration. The EU upholds the one-china principle and respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It will not interfere in China’s internal affairs. The EU is ready to become a reliable and predictable cooperation partner for China.

He also said that the EU will work with China to ensure the success of upcoming high-level exchanges, reduce misunderstandings and miscalculations through more direct dialogue and cooperation, and strengthen communication and coordination to better respond to the energy crisis, climate change, public health issues, and other global challenges. The EU will work with China to take forward the process toward an Eu-china investment agreement, make supply chains more stable, strengthen mutual trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.