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| China |
| Xi's Focus: Xi Jinping on China-Europe Ties | |
| China is willing to join hands with the European side to push for a more stable and mature relationship in the post-pandemic era and lift their ties to a new height | |
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Chinese President Xi Jinping met via video link with President of Since the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, China and the European Union (EU) have supported and helped each other. China is willing to join hands with the European side to push for a more stable and mature relationship in the post-pandemic era and lift their ties to a new height. China presents opportunities, rather than threats as it will continue to deepen reform and expand opening up, which will provide Europe with a new round of cooperation opportunities and development space. China is a partner, not an opponent to the EU side. There is no conflict of fundamental interests between China and Europe. Cooperation far outweighs competition, and consensus far outweighs disagreement. The two sides need to respect each other, and seek common ground while reserving differences. China and EU should continuously enhance mutual understanding and trust, expand common interests in cooperation, solve difficult problems in development, and build a China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership with more global influence. As two major forces, huge markets and great civilizations in the world, what China and the EU advocate and oppose and in what areas they cooperate will have global significance. China and the EU should serve as two major forces to maintain global peace and stability. China is willing to communicate with the European side on major issues. We believe that the EU will continue to move forward in the direction of unity, stability, openness and prosperity. China is delighted to see that the EU makes a constructive contribution to international peace and stability, and is willing to strengthen strategic cooperation with the EU to jointly cope with global challenges. China and the EU should serve as two huge markets that promote global development and prosperity. Our two major economies should play the role as dual engines of the world economy, drive the recovery of global economy, jointly support a scientific and orderly resumption of work and production, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, and keep global industrial and supply chains stable and smooth. China and Europe should serve as two great civilizations that adhere to multilateralism and help improve global governance. No matter how the international situation changes, China will take the side of multilateralism and adhere to the global governance concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. China appreciates EU’s firm adherence to multilateralism, participation in international anti-pandemic cooperation, and increasing investment in the World Health Organization and other international institutions. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the EU on major international and regional issues, strengthen dialogue and cooperation on global public health governance, and promote the building of a community of health for all. -Excerpts from Xi's speech when meeting with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen via video link in Beijing on June 22, 2020 The two sides have maintained a consensus in promoting world peace and common development, with constant progress in terms of the depth and breadth of cooperation. As China and the EU grow in strategic significance, theirs is becoming one of the most important bilateral global relationships. -Excerpts from Xi's congratulatory message to EU leaders on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations on May 6, 2015 For that we actually need to build four bridges—for the peace, growth, reform and progress of civilization—so that the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership will take on even greater global significance. China stands ready to work with the EU to let the sunlight of peace drive away the shadow of war, and the bonfire of prosperity warm up the global economy in the cold early spring, and enable all mankind to embark on the path of peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation. -Excerpts from Xi's speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium on April 1, 2014 VOICES Kerry Brown Director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London
The meeting’s most positive language was about the level of joint research to combat the pandemic. Universities and research institutes across both places now have a common purpose, and are collaborating in new ways. This might create a level of trust and unified purpose which has until now been more abstract. Were they to be able to jointly create a vaccine for the virus, nothing would have greater symbolic value. Here is why the EU and China can, and must work together, because deep down there are some things where their interests are absolutely aligned.
George N. Tzogopoulos EU-China Program director at the Centre International de Formation Européenne
Sources: Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (I&II), Xinhua News Agency and Beijing Review |
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The EU is not prepared to sacrifice its relationship with China in order to necessarily align its policies with U.S. recommendations, but prefers to act with dexterity and achieve a balancing act. 
