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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Munich, Germany, February 14, Xinhua — China and the European Union (EU) should respect each other's core interests and major concerns, properly handle differences and contradictions, deepen practical cooperation, and join forces to address global challenges. This was stated on Friday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during a trilateral meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, respectively.
Wang Yi called the first-ever trilateral meeting a groundbreaking step in response to the changing global situation and an important opportunity for strategic communication.
The Chinese diplomat emphasized that the world is experiencing the most profound and complex changes since World War II, amid the rise of unilateralism, protectionism, and power politics. He called for upholding the principles of mutual respect, seeking common ground while maintaining differences, promoting openness and cooperation, and pursuing win-win cooperation to chart a course for China-EU relations and ensure greater stability and certainty in a volatile and turbulent world.
Five decades of exchanges and cooperation have shown that China and Europe are partners, not rivals, interdependence poses no risk, convergence of interests is not a threat, and openness and cooperation do not undermine security, Wang Yi said.
He noted that China's development is an opportunity for Europe, and the country does not pose a challenge to the EU. Wang Yi expressed hope that Germany and France, based on their own interests and the EU's shared interests, will help the bloc develop an objective and comprehensive understanding of China, pursue a rational and pragmatic policy toward China, and view Sino-European relations as a partnership.
J. Wadephul stated that in a turbulent world, Germany and France need dialogue and communication with China more than ever in order to strengthen mutual trust, eliminate misunderstandings, play the role befitting major countries, and present a united front.
According to him, Germany attaches great importance to China's positive role in global affairs and is ready to strengthen cooperation and coordination with it. Germany and France reaffirm their firm commitment to the one-China policy and strive to develop long-term and stable relations with China, J. Wadephul added.
He also stated that Germany supports free trade and opposes decoupling and disruption of production and supply chains, and is ready to cooperate with China to resolve trade disputes through consultations and promote the balanced development of economic and trade relations between the EU and China.
Jean-Nicolas Barrot, in turn, noted the growing instability in the modern world, threats to multilateralism and international order, and protracted conflicts in various regions. He stated that France, China, and Germany must work together to strengthen world peace and improve global governance.
The more unstable the international situation, the greater the need to build partnerships, the French diplomat noted, adding that France is committed to strengthening stable and positive relations between the EU and China.
Jean-Néphen Barrot stated that France welcomes the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and looks forward to communication and dialogue with China to promote coordination on multilateral platforms and defend multilateralism and free trade.
The parties also exchanged views on key issues in China-EU relations and matters of mutual interest, including the Ukrainian crisis. They praised the meeting's significance and agreed to maintain strategic communication.
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