China and Europe hold the 13th round of high-level strategic dialogue

Brussels, July 3 (Xinhua) -- On July 2 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held the 13th round of the China Europe High level Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kallas, in Brussels.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The upcoming new China EU summit is highly anticipated. Over the past 50 years, China Europe relations have gone through ups and downs, overcoming obstacles and challenges. Only by comprehensively reviewing the path we have taken can we correctly grasp the direction of progress. The development process of China Europe relations shows that the positioning of the relationship between the two sides is that of partners rather than rivals, and cooperation is the main foundation and ballast. Both sides should communicate and resolve differences through this framework. There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Europe, and they have broad common interests. Both sides support multilateralism and open cooperation, uphold the core position of the United Nations and the democratization of international relations, and insist on resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue. Faced with the increasing uncertainty and instability of the international situation, China and Europe, as two major forces and economies, should strengthen exchanges, deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust, and promote cooperation to jointly maintain the post-war international order and provide scarce certainty for the world. The Chinese side is willing to work with the European side to promote positive results in the new China EU summit and provide direction for the future development of China EU relations.

Wang Yi stated that China's diplomacy upholds the harmonious genes of Chinese civilization and advocates for peace, inclusiveness, and cooperation. In terms of peace and security issues, China is currently the world's best recorded major country. China is not the United States, and the path taken by the United States should not mirror China. Due to differences in history, culture, and values between China and Europe, they should not be regarded as opponents just because of differences, nor should they seek confrontation just because of disagreements. Europe is currently facing various challenges, but the past, present, and future do not come from China. Both sides should respect and learn from each other, develop and progress together, and make new contributions to human civilization in China and Europe. We hope that the European side can truly establish an objective and rational understanding of China and pursue a more proactive and pragmatic policy towards China.

Wang Yi emphasized that as comprehensive strategic partners, the most important thing for China and Europe is to respect and take care of each other's core interests. China has always supported European integration, supported the EU in enhancing strategic autonomy, and played a constructive role in international affairs. I hope the European side can also respect China's core interests with practical actions.  

Karas stated that Europe and China are partners, and both sides have common responsibilities and significant influence in supporting the United Nations' dominant position, maintaining international law and order, and other major issues. The EU adheres to the One China policy and is willing to prepare for a new China EU summit with China. Through frank communication, we aim to enhance mutual understanding, develop more constructive EU China relations, and engage in more balanced and fair economic and trade cooperation.

Both sides also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis, the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the Iranian nuclear issue, and other issues.