The 13th round of the China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue was held last week at the EU headquarters in Brussels, during which Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi called on Europe to develop a more objective and rational understanding of China and adopt a more positive and practical policy toward China. He noted that while Europe currently faces various challenges, they have never come – and will never come – from China. China and Europe have no fundamental conflicts of interest but rather share extensive common interests, Wang said.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Noting this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Wang said that China-EU relations over the past five decades should be characterized as that of partners rather than rivals, with cooperation as the defining feature and ballast. The two sides need to properly handle their differences through dialogue within this framework, he said.
“Facing growing uncertainty and instability in the international landscape, China and the EU, as two major forces and economies, should enhance exchanges, mutual understanding and mutual trust, and advance cooperation, in a joint effort to safeguard the post-war international order and provide the world with much-needed certainty,” Wang stressed. On peace and security, Wang said “China is not the U.S., and its path should not be mirrored against America's historical trajectory.” He added that the differences between China and the EU in history, culture and values should not warrant rivalry, nor their disagreements necessitate confrontation. China has consistently supported European integration and the EU's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy and play a constructive role in international affairs, Wang said, expressing hope that the EU will likewise respect China's core interests through concrete actions, including on the Taiwan question.
Kallas said that the EU and China are partners, sharing common responsibilities and having significant influence on major issues such as upholding the central role of the UN and safeguarding international law and the international order, the Global Times reports.
