China urges EU to build trust, deepen cooperation ahead of summit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the European Union to strengthen trust and cooperation with China, saying the two sides should focus on mutual success rather than rivalry.

Speaking to European envoys in Beijing, Wang said, “There are no territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, let alone any fundamental clashes of interests.”

Describing China and the EU as “two major constructive forces in the world,” Wang urged both sides to manage differences, promote multilateralism, and raise their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to “a new level,” according to state media Xinhua.

The meeting comes days after the EU excluded Chinese firms from public tenders for medical devices exceeding €5 million ($5.7 million). Wang voiced hope that Brussels would continue to support the One-China principle and oppose Taiwan’s independence claims.

China and the EU are expected to hold a summit in Beijing in July, amid renewed efforts to ease tensions. Beijing recently lifted sanctions on five EU lawmakers.

According to the European Commission, China-EU trade was worth €739 billion ($863 billion) in 2023.

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