On July 8, 2019 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jacek Czaputowicz of Poland jointly met the press after their talks in Warsaw. Wang Yi was asked about the Chinese side's comment on candidates for the new leadership of the European Union (EU) institutions and expectations for China-EU relations in the next stage.

Wang Yi expressed that the change of leadership of the EU institutions is a major political event of Europe in this year, and all parties concerned pay close attention to it. We are pleased to see the successful change of the new leadership of the EU institutions. President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders have sent their congratulations to the newly-elected President of the European Council Mr. Charles Michel. We wish the EU greater achievements in such aspects as promoting integration and cooperation in coping with challenges to better achieve development and prosperity.

Wang Yi pointed out that the world today is experiencing profound shifts unseen in a century. China and the EU, as two important global forces, have important consensus and broad common interests in such aspects as safeguarding multilateralism and free trade as well as building an open world economy. The strategic and contemporary significance of China-EU relations becomes more prominent. The two sides should work together to tackle global challenges and become partners for peace, growth, reform and civilization, which is of great significance in boosting world multi-polarization, improving global governance and promoting world peace, stability and development.

Wang Yi noted, China regards the EU as a comprehensive strategic partner, not a rival. China attaches great importance to the EU's efforts to keep their policies stable and consistent. We will continue to firmly support the European integration process, the EU's unity and growth as well as a more important role Europe plays in international affairs. We hope and believe that the EU institutions under the new leadership will maintain the continuity and vision of their policies towards China. We are willing to, together with the EU side, continue to strengthen communication, coordination and cooperation, always set the general direction of China-EU relations, firmly uphold the principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, deepen mutual trust and make innovation and progress so as to jointly push for greater development of China-EU relations in the new era.