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Xi Jinping Meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

2023-04-06 23:55

On the afternoon of April 6, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China always regards the European Union (EU) as a strategic force in the international landscape, and takes the development of China-EU relations as a priority in its diplomacy. China is ready to work with the EU to carry forward the fine tradition, maintain close communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly overcome disturbance and challenges, to promote high-level development of China-EU relations.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China and the EU need to strengthen communication, foster a right perception of each other, and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation. The Chinese nation, throughout its 5000-plus-year history of civilization, has always been opposed to military aggression, the strong bullying the weak, or seeking hegemony from the position of strength. China pursues development for the purpose of delivering a better life for the Chinese people. At the same time, China is firm in standing up for its sovereignty, security and development interests, and will not allow any force to deprive the Chinese people of their right to pursue happiness. China and the EU should focus on cooperation for mutual benefit, support economic globalization and trade liberalization, engage in in-depth dialogue and communication on issues in economic and trade cooperation, and reach mutually acceptable arrangements through consultation. China is an important partner of the EU in addressing energy, inflation and other challenges and in enhancing competitiveness, and China welcomes the EU to continue to share China's development dividends.

Xi Jinping stressed that the sound development of China-EU relations would not be possible if the principles of independence, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation are not upheld. China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace and respects the right of the people of all countries to choose their own development path. The development of relations between China and any other country is not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party. China and the EU should face squarely and manage their differences and respect each other. Xi Jinping expressed the hope that the European Commission will act in the fundamental and long-term interests of the EU and the overall interest of China-EU relations, and play a positive role in promoting sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

Ursula von der Leyen said that China has a long history and rich and profound culture, and the inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning between Europe and China are of positive significance for both sides and the world. The EU and China share broad consensus in responding to climate change and other global challenges and in seeking political settlement of regional hotspot issues. The two sides should make concerted efforts to contribute to safeguarding world peace and stability. The EU totally disapproves of decoupling and severing supply chains, and hopes to strengthen exchanges and dialogue with China, restart the three dialogue mechanisms at an early date, and carry out more mutually beneficial cooperation.

On the Taiwan question, Xi Jinping stressed that it is at the core of China's core interests. The Chinese government and the Chinese people will never stand for anyone trying to take advantage of the question. If anyone expects China to compromise and concede on the Taiwan question, they are having a pipe dream and would shoot themselves in the foot.

Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that the EU has no intention to change its long-standing one-China policy, recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and hopes that peace and stability will be maintained across the Taiwan Strait.

Wang Yi and Qin Gang, among others, attended the meeting.

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