Beijing, July 24 – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People as part of the 25th China-EU Summit.
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, President Xi emphasized the need for renewed strategic vision and responsibility in addressing global challenges. He laid out three key proposals to strengthen China-EU relations:
Deepening Mutual Respect and Strategic Partnership – Xi highlighted that despite differences in history and systems, China and the EU share no fundamental geopolitical conflicts and should foster greater trust and understanding. He reiterated China’s support for EU integration and strategic autonomy, while urging mutual respect for each other’s core interests.
Promoting Open Cooperation and Managing Differences – Xi warned against “decoupling” and trade barriers, stressing that interdependence is not a risk but a strength. He called for enhanced cooperation in green and digital economies and encouraged a fair, open environment for Chinese businesses in Europe.
Upholding Multilateralism and Global Governance – Xi advocated for joint efforts to defend the international order and tackle shared challenges like climate change. He expressed China’s willingness to work with the EU at COP29 and to collaborate on AI governance and global green transformation.
The European side welcomed Xi’s proposals, acknowledging China’s remarkable development and its role as a global technological and economic power. EU leaders emphasized that China remains a key strategic and trade partner, affirming their opposition to decoupling and support for continued investment cooperation.
Both sides agreed that in an era of uncertainty, China and the EU must take joint responsibility to uphold peace, multilateralism, and global stability paving the way for a prosperous next 50 years of bilateral ties.
Source: Swarna, Hashim, and Lily China Media Group