Beijing: China's President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for 'healthy and stable' relations between China and the European Union, particularly as the tariff war with the United States intensifies.

According to Anadolu Agency, during a dialogue with EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President von der Leyen, Xi underscored the significance of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. He noted that the world is at a pivotal moment of transformation and that a robust China-EU relationship could not only benefit both parties but also have a positive impact globally.

Xi's conversation with the EU leaders highlighted his intent to 'deepen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, consolidate the positioning of partners, expand mutual openness, properly handle frictions and differences, and open up a brighter future for China-EU relations.' This sentiment comes as plans progress for a leaders-level summit between China and the EU, anticipated in late July.

This diplomatic push occurs as tensions heighten due to the tariff war initiated by former US President Donald Trump. The US has imposed 245% tariffs on Chinese imports, with China responding with 125% levies on US imports. Xi urged China and the EU to uphold multilateralism, fairness, and justice, while opposing unilateral actions, to address global challenges collectively.

Additionally, Beijing confirmed that both Chinese and European Parliament restrictions on bilateral exchanges have been lifted. Previously, China had sanctioned certain EU lawmakers over their comments on China's human rights record.

In a separate development, President Xi is scheduled to travel to Russia on Wednesday to participate in the Victory Day celebrations starting on May 9.