Relations between China and the European Union are at a new historic point, with China willing to seize the opportunity with the EU to jointly advance their ties for peace, growth, reform, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
Wang made the remarks at a press conference after a meeting with EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Representative Josep Borrell, on the sidelines of the 14th Asia-Europe Meeting of Foreign Ministers.
Stressing that China's EU policy is highly continuous and balanced, Wang said whether the EU is in good or bad times, China should, as always, strongly support the process of European integration, the cohesion and development of the EU, and the greater role of Europe in international affairs.
On The Same Boat
This is the strategic choice of China instead of a stop-gap measure, Wang said, adding that both sides hold the same or similar views on world affairs.
He said China and Europe are allies, not competitors, because there is more agreement than difference and more cooperation than rivalry between the two countries.
"There is no historical dispute or strategic inconsistency between China and Europe, let alone fundamental interests conflict," Wang said.
The political and economic relations between the Chinese and Europeans, Wang explained, are experiencing hard-won development opportunities as next year mark not only the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides, but also the new EU institutions' opening year.
Future Hostings
He stated that in the first half of next year China would host the China-CEEC (Central and Eastern European Countries) leaders' conference, and in the second half, Germany suggested holding a joint China-EU summit. Furthermore, the 22nd meeting of Chinese-EU leaders will take place as soon as possible, Wang said.
The top-level exchange is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation, said the top Chinese diplomat, adding that China and the EU will aim to reach a high-level of investment agreement in the coming year.
Wang said the two sides would also advance their partnership on the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China and the EU strategy to connect Europe and Asia in order to achieve fruitful results.
Wang also called for boosting collaboration in new endeavors like climate change and the digital economy. The two sides should craft a new system for a more open communication and teamwork in the next coming years, Wang stressed.
