On July 12, 2016, President Xi Jinping met at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse with President Donald Tusk of the European Council and President Jean-Claude Juncker of the European Commission, who were attending the 18th China-EU Summit in China.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the consensus between China and the EU of building four major partnerships of peace, growth, reform and civilization is taking root. Both sides have maintained strategic dialogues on major international affairs, jointly made positive efforts to improve global economic governance and facilitate world sustainable development, and reached important consensus and taken actions on aligning respective development strategies. Both China and the EU should constantly deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual-benefit and win-win results.

Xi Jinping emphasized that to enhance China-EU strategic mutual trust with great wisdom, the fundamental key lies in acknowledging the inevitable trend of world multi-polarization and economic globalization, realizing the common appeals for peace and development of all peoples and adhering to the path of win-win cooperation. China will not change its policy of support to the EU and the European integration and is pleased to see prosperity and stability in both the EU and the UK. China stands ready to work together with the EU for peace and development. China and the EU should expand cooperation in a broader vision. China welcomes the EU's active participation in building the "Belt and Road". Both sides should enhance the docking of development strategies and strengthen exchanges, mutual learning and mutually beneficial cooperation to push bilateral cooperation to a higher level. China and the EU should resolve difficult issues with a greater mind. Both sides should uphold the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment to manage, control and reduce differences in a constructive way.

Xi Jinping pointed out that it is necessary for China and the EU to enhance coordination and cooperation under such multilateral frameworks as the G20 and the International Monetary Fund. It is hoped that the EU can fulfill its obligation as stipulated in Article 15 of the Protocol on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in due courses. China hopes that both sides can jointly ensure the success of the G20 Hangzhou Summit and make greater contributions to promoting world economic growth and improving global economic governance.

Xi Jinping emphasized that islands in the South China Sea are China's territory since ancient times. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be influenced by the so-called award of the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines under any circumstances. China rejects any propositions and actions based on the arbitral award. China always safeguards the international rule of law, fairness and justice and sticks to the path of peaceful development. China will persist in maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea and commit itself to peacefully resolving related disputes through negotiation and coordination with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with the international law.

Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker expressed that the EU and China are facing growing interdependence. Under current situation, it is absolutely necessary for the EU and China to enhance comprehensive strategic partnership. The result of the UK's referendum and its exit process from the EU will not affect the development of EU-China relations. The EU stands ready to, together with China, continue pushing for bilateral cooperation in extensive fields, jointly cope with global challenges and play a positive role in promoting world peace, security and prosperity. The EU is willing to maintain its position as China's largest trade partner and enhance bilateral cooperation in innovation, environment, digital economy, green growth and other fields. The EU will fulfill its obligations under the WTO framework and expects to work with China to promote the G20 Hangzhou Summit to achieve positive results.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.