Xi urges EU to reinforce cooperation during period of global instability

(MENAFN) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the European Union to make what he described as “correct strategic choices,” emphasizing the importance of trust and dialogue as China hosted the 25th China-EU summit in Beijing.

Speaking at the opening of the summit at the Great Hall of the People, Xi stressed the need for both sides to live up to the expectations of their populations and to reinforce cooperation in a time of global instability, according to state media.

Xi, joined by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa for the high-level talks.

The Chinese leader emphasized principles he said should shape future ties: mutual respect, cooperation despite differences, openness, shared interests, and outcomes beneficial to both sides.

Reinforcing the idea that both China and the EU are key players promoting multilateralism and global collaboration, Xi said, "the more severe and complex the international situation is, the more China and Europe should strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and deepen cooperation, so as to provide more stability and certainty to the world."

He further urged both parties to remain committed to the long-term trajectory of their relationship: "We must firmly grasp the correct direction of the development of China-Europe relations and work together to open up a brighter next 50 years for China-Europe relations."

Acknowledging the rapidly changing global order, he warned that global uncertainties demand visionary leadership from both sides. "Faced with the accelerated evolution of the world's century-old changes and the international situation of intertwined changes and chaos, the leaders of China and the EU should once again demonstrate their foresight and responsibility and make correct strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people and stand the test of history," he said.

The summit, scheduled to last one day, is addressing a range of pressing topics, including trade imbalances, market access, disputes over rare earths, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Before the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the summit as a chance to move forward while adjusting key aspects of the relationship. "I'm convinced there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation," she said in a message posted on X.

This year’s summit comes as China and the EU mark 50 years since the start of diplomatic relations. Trade between the two powers currently exceeds $860 billion annually.

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