Wang Yi: The key to China-Europe relations is for Europe to establish a correct understanding of China

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, March 8 — Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke about China-Europe relations at the Two Sessions press conference.

Wang Yi said that since last year, China’s relations with European countries have been warming up. The total trade volume exceeded $1 trillion, over 2 million European tourists visited China visa-free, European leaders visited one after another, exchanges have become closer, and a number of new cooperation agreements have been reached. The facts prove that the stability of China-Europe relations stems from shared interests, and certainty comes from mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

Wang Yi pointed out that China’s position on developing China-Europe relations is clear. We have always believed that Europe is an essential part of the multipolar world, an important force in maintaining international order stability, and a key partner in achieving Chinese-style modernization. For China-Europe relations to be steady and healthy, the key is for Europe to establish a correct understanding of China. We have noticed that more and more European thinkers recognize that China is not a competitor but a global partner, especially the younger generation views China more objectively and positively.

Wang Yi emphasized that the essence of China-Europe economic and trade relations is complementary advantages, which can achieve dynamic balance in development. The facts of China-Europe cooperation show that mutual dependence is not a risk, intertwined interests are not a threat, open cooperation will not harm economic security, and building walls and barriers only isolates oneself. We welcome our European friends to step out of protectionism’s “small attic” and come to China’s “gym” to strengthen and improve their competitiveness.