China and the EU must advocate openness and cooperation, and properly manage their differences

(Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China and the European Union (EU) should advocate openness and cooperation and properly manage their differences.

Mr. XI made these remarks during his meeting with the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visiting China for the 25th Chine-EU summit in Beijing.

History and reality show that interdependence is not a risk and that convergent interests do not represent a threat, noted Mr. XI, indicating that the strengthening of competitiveness must not be based on the building of walls or barriers, because the decoupling and the breakdown of the supply chains will only lead to self-isolation.

According to Mr. XI, “reduction in dependence” should not lead to a decrease in China-EU cooperation. The bilateral economic and commercial relations which are complementary and mutually beneficial in nature, can indeed reach a dynamic balance through development, he explained.

High-quality development and high-level opening of China offer new opportunities, as well as new potential for China-EU cooperation, noted Mr. XI, calling the two parties to strengthen their green and digital partnership, and to promote mutual investments and cooperation.

It is to be hoped that the EU can remain open to trade and investments, refrain from using restrictive economic and commercial tools, and promote a healthy commercial environment for Chinese companies that invest and operate in the EU, he stressed.