Beijing: At the 13th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas agreed to deepen mutual understanding and work together to get well-prepared for the upcoming leaders' meeting for enhancing cooperation.
According to Namibia Press Agency, this dialogue coincides with the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the significant attention the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting is garnering.
Reflecting on the past five decades, Wang stated that the China-EU relationship should be defined by partnership rather than rivalry, with cooperation as its cornerstone. He highlighted the need for both sides to handle their differences through dialogue within this framework.
Wang noted that China and Europe share extensive common interests without fundamental conflicts. Both support multilateralism, open cooperation, and the central role of the UN, while committing to peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue.
Amidst global uncertainty, Wang stressed that China and the EU, as major forces and economies, should work together to maintain the post-war international order, providing much-needed certainty to the world. He expressed China's readiness to collaborate with the EU to ensure positive outcomes from the leaders' meeting, setting the course for future China-EU relations.
On peace and security, Wang asserted that China's track record among major countries is unmatched. He reiterated that China's path should not be compared to that of the United States, and differences in history, culture, and values with the EU should not lead to rivalry or confrontation.
Wang called for mutual respect and cooperation between China and the EU, encouraging the EU to develop a more objective understanding of China and adopt a positive policy toward the nation. He emphasized the importance of respecting each other's core interests in their strategic partnership.
China has supported European integration and the EU's efforts to enhance strategic autonomy, Wang stated, expressing hope for reciprocal respect for China's core interests, particularly regarding the Taiwan issue.
Kallas affirmed the EU's partnership with China, highlighting shared responsibilities and influence on major issues like upholding the UN's role and safeguarding international law. She reiterated the EU's commitment to the one-China policy and readiness to collaborate with China for the leaders' meeting, aiming for a more constructive relationship and balanced economic cooperation.
The dialogue also included discussions on the Ukraine crisis, the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the Iranian nuclear issue.