China, EU to promote steady development of relations

China, EU to promote steady development of relations asPremier Li Qiang held a phone conversation with European Commission President.

During a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed China’s readiness to work collaboratively with the European Union to ensure the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.

Li remarked that China-EU ties are currently progressing steadily. With this year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides, he emphasized the significance of the moment and the opportunities it presents for further growth in their bilateral ties.

He referenced the earlier conversation between President Xi Jinping and European Council President Antonio Costa, noting that the dialogue helped set the direction for deepening cooperation between China and the EU.

Li emphasized that the EU and China are each other’s key trading partners, with economies that complement each other and deeply interwoven interests.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to maintaining robust high-level communication, building political trust, expanding cooperation, and addressing mutual concerns through constructive dialogue.

Li advocated for the early resumption of high-level China-EU dialogues in strategic areas such as economy, trade, green development, and digital innovation.

He criticized recent U.S. tariffs targeting all its trading partners, including China and the EU, labeling them as examples of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion.

China’s countermeasures, Li explained, aim not only to protect its national interests but also to uphold international trade norms and global equity, stressing the interconnected nature of today’s world. He underlined that protectionism is a dead-end, and that openness and collaboration are essential for global progress.

Li urged China and the EU—both strong proponents of global trade and the multilateral trading system—to strengthen cooperation, promote openness, defend the WTO-centered system, and ensure smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, thus contributing to greater global economic stability.

He stated that China’s macroeconomic policy has taken potential external uncertainties into account, with sufficient tools in place to mitigate risks and ensure stable, sustainable growth.

Li also reassured that China would continue to open its markets and share development opportunities with EU nations and other global partners.

On the other hand, Von der Leyen affirmed that the EU values its relationship with China, especially during the current complex global climate, emphasizing the importance of continuity and stability.

She expressed the EU’s interest in holding another EU-China summit to review achievements, plan for the future, and celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Von der Leyen voiced the EU’s willingness to advance high-level dialogues with China across various sectors, including economy, green transition, and climate action.

She also condemned the negative impact of U.S. tariffs on global trade, particularly their repercussions on Europe, China, and developing nations.

Von der Leyen concluded by emphasizing the EU and China’s shared commitment to maintaining a fair and open multilateral trading system centered on the WTO, as well as promoting stable and healthy global economic relations for mutual and global benefit.