Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – President Xi Jinping expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with European Union leaders in fostering mutual openness and effectively managing tensions and differences, according to the official news agency Xinhua.
These comments mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, as both sides endeavor to improve relations amidst global trade uncertainties driven by extensive U.S. tariffs.
“Healthy, stable China-EU ties not only promote mutual achievements but also illuminate the world,”
He said.
Xi also called on the EU to jointly safeguard fairness and justice and oppose unilateral bullying, describing their relations as one of the world’s most influential, Xinhua added.
Xi’s comments did not reference the United States. Nevertheless, Beijing is eager to strengthen its economic and political ties with Europe to mitigate the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the majority of its exports to the United States.
How does China plan to improve EU relations?
China expressed its willingness to host visits from European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when the time is right, aiming to conduct another series of meetings between leaders from both sides.
On Tuesday, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, announced that China and the EU are set to engage in high-level discussions this year regarding strategy, economy and trade, green development, and digitalization, among other events.
The ministry confirmed that China and the European Parliament agreed to facilitate mutual exchanges.
“Under the current circumstances, both sides believe it is very important for China and Europe to strengthen dialogue and cooperation,”
Lin, the ministry spokesperson, told journalists. He voiced confidence that renewed discussions would “inject new impetus” into the development of China-EU relations.
When did a European official last communicate with a Chinese official?
A month ago, as reported by Reuters, the ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, called on China to seek a negotiated resolution to the issues stemming from the extensive import tariffs placed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a phone call with China’s Premier Li Qiang, von der Leyen emphasized the obligation of Europe and China, being two of the largest global markets, to uphold a robust and reformed trading system that is free, fair, and based on equal competition, according to her office’s statement.
Both politicians talked about establishing a system to monitor potential trade diversion due to the tariffs, according to von der Leyen’s office, as the EU is concerned that China might shift affordable exports from the U.S. to Europe.
