Chinese FM holds talks with EU and member state envoys

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting in Beijing with diplomatic envoys from the European Union (EU) and its member states.

Wang, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau, emphasized the significance of this year as the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. He urged both sides, key players in global affairs, to deepen mutual trust, manage their differences wisely, combine their strengths, and take the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to greater heights.

During the meeting, Wang outlined a three-point approach to guide future China-EU relations.

He first stressed the need for mutual respect, especially regarding each other’s core interests. Wang reaffirmed that achieving national reunification is a long-standing goal of the Chinese people, and that China will not tolerate any attempts to separate Taiwan. He expressed hope that the EU would maintain its commitment to the one-China principle and oppose all forms of “Taiwan independence.”

Second, Wang urged both sides to remain committed to their partnership. He noted that China and the EU are partners rather than adversaries, with no territorial disputes or deep-rooted geopolitical conflicts. Wang encouraged fostering cooperation as the dominant theme of China-EU relations.

Third, Wang highlighted the importance of upholding multilateralism. He reaffirmed China’s support for the international system centered on the United Nations, the international legal order, and norms founded on the UN Charter. He stressed China’s consistent advocacy for peace and dialogue over conflict.

Wang also referenced major global initiatives championed by President Xi Jinping, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of a shared future for humanity, noting these as contributions of Chinese thinking to global governance.

Concluding his remarks, Wang called for China and the EU to embrace the spirit of the times, build mutual trust, foster cooperation, and contribute positively to global development.

In response, EU representatives affirmed that China remains a vital partner. They expressed the EU’s readiness to work closely with China to foster a constructive and stable relationship, jointly tackle global issues, uphold multilateralism, and support global peace and security.