Beijing: Bilateral ties with the EU are at a 'crucial juncture,' China said on Monday, ahead of an upcoming leaders' summit in Beijing. 'China and the EU are holding the summit at this time which is of great significance and receives international attention,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference in the capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Xi Jinping will meet EU Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are visiting to attend the 25th China-EU summit on Thursday. Premier Li Qiang will co-chair the meeting.
Guo mentioned that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties, emphasizing that bilateral relations 'have grown more mature and stable and become one of the most influential bilateral relations.' He noted that cooperation between Europe and China 'greatly contributes to world peace and development, and sets an example of mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of economic globalization.'
The bilateral trade volume has significantly increased from $2.4 billion to $785.8 billion, with close to $260 billion investment in each other's market. Guo also highlighted cooperation conducted in climate response and other areas.
However, there are challenges, as Guo pointed out that the EU has 'exaggerated economic and trade issues and groundlessly accused China on the Ukraine issue, which causes unnecessary disruptions to bilateral relations.' He expressed confidence in the accumulated experience and positive energy over the last 50 years, which enables both sides to overcome difficulties and challenges.
As the 25th China-EU summit approaches, Guo stated, 'bilateral relations at a crucial juncture, building on the positive movement and opening up new chapter, China hopes that EU will work with' Beijing. Earlier this month, von der Leyen mentioned that the EU's approach to relations with China will be "de-risking" rather than "decoupling."
In response to a media inquiry on the EU's latest sanctions against Russia, linking some Chinese entities to Russia's actions in Ukraine, Guo stated Beijing opposes 'unilateral sanctions that have no basis in authorization of UN Security Council.' He reiterated China's commitment to promoting peace talks and urged the EU to stop harming the 'interests of Chinese companies.'
Addressing accusations by some European diplomats regarding China's intentions to "increase its influence" over the UN, Guo emphasized that both China and the EU support multilateralism and the UN's central role in international relations. He expressed China's readiness to collaborate with the EU to enhance the UN's role and promote multilateralism.