Xi urges China, EU to work to help stabilize turbulent world

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen via video link in Beijing on April 1, 2022. [PHOTO / XINHUA]

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on China and the European Union to increase communication on their relations and on major issues concerning global peace and development and play a constructive role in adding stabilizing factors to a turbulent world. 

He made the remarks when he met with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen via video link. 

The Chinese leader recalled his visit to the EU headquarters eight years ago when he suggested that China and Europe work together to build a bridge of friendship and cooperation across the Eurasian continent, foster a China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization, and forge a China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership of greater global influence. 

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China's vision remains unchanged. If anything, it has become more relevant under the current circumstances, he said. 

President Xi called on the EU to form its own perception of China and adopt an independent China policy

Xi pointed out that the Ukraine crisis has come on top of a protracted COVID-19 pandemic and a faltering global recovery. Against such a backdrop, China and the EU – as two major forces, big markets and great civilizations – should increase communication on their relations and on major issues concerning global peace and development and play a constructive role in adding stabilizing factors to a turbulent world. 

He said since last year, China-EU relations have made new progress despite challenges, and China-EU cooperation has achieved new results despite difficulties. It has been proven that China and the EU share extensive common interests and a solid foundation for cooperation, and that only through cooperation and coordination can the two sides resolve problems and rise to challenges. 

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