EU should build trust, achieve mutual success with China: Top Chinese diplomat

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday that the European Union should build trust and achieve mutual success with China as he met European diplomatic envoys in Beijing, according to state media Xinhua News.

Wang said that as "the two major constructive forces in the world," they should strengthen "mutual trust, handle differences properly, pool their strengths, and elevate the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level.”

The visit comes as the EU decided to exclude Chinese companies last Friday from participating in public procurement tenders for medical devices worth more than €5 million ($5.7 million).

Wang expressed hope that the EU would continue to support the One-China principle against Taiwan's independence claims, according to Xinhua News.

The Chinese foreign minister urged both sides to continue their partnership, considering Beijing and the EU are not rivals, nor enemies.

"There are no territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, let alone any fundamental clashes of interests," said Wang.

He also urged the parties to follow multilateralism, and expressed Beijing's support for peace talks in disputes, and a rejection of the use of force.

"China and the EU should follow the trend of the times, enhance understanding, build trust, achieve mutual success, and light up the world," he said.

The EU and China are expected to hold a summit in Beijing in July.

Beijing recently lifted sanctions on five EU lawmakers.

China-EU trade reached €739 billion in 2023, according to the European Commission.