Xi eyes more stable, China-EU ties in post-pandemic era

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met via video link with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China and the European Union (EU) have supported and helped each other, Xi said, noting that China is willing to join hands with the European side to push for a more stable and mature relationship in the post-pandemic era and lift their ties to a new heigh.

“China wants peace instead of hegemony, said Xi, stressing that China is not only a country with a long history, but also a developing country full of vitality.

”The starting point of all our policies and work is to enable the Chinese people to live a happy life. We will steadfastly follow the path of peaceful development,” Xi said, noting that China presents “opportunities, rather than threats.” He went on to say that China is “a partner, not an opponent” to the EU side, as China will continue to deepen reform and expand opening up, which will provide Europe with a new round of co-operation opportunities and development space."

There is no conflict of fundamental interests between China and Europe. Co-operation far outweighs competition, and consensus far outweighs disagreement," he said, calling on the two sides to respect each other, and seek common ground while reserving differences.

The two sides should continuously enhance mutual understanding and trust, expand common interests in cooperation, solve difficult problems in development, and build a China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership with more global influence.

The world under the impact of the pandemic is undergoing profound changes and facing more unstable and uncertain factors, Xi emphasised, calling for fostering new opportunities in crises and creating new prospects in the face of changing circumstances.