Xi Jinping: "China Does Not Seek Hegemony... EU Should Also Oppose the New Cold War"

Xi Jinping, President of China / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his intention to develop relations with Europe on the 1st.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi met with Charles Michel, President of the European Union (EU) Council, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the same day and stated that he would carry on the legacy of former President Jiang Zemin, who passed away the previous day, to develop relations with Europe.

President Xi said, "Comrade Jiang Zemin highly valued and paid close attention to the development of China-Europe relations during his time as a national leader. He promoted the establishment of the China-EU leaders' meeting mechanism and facilitated dialogue and cooperation in various fields between the two sides," adding, "We will carry on his legacy to further consolidate and develop China-Europe relations."

He stated that China does not seek hegemony nor will it export its system. He added, "We support the EU's strategic autonomy and hope that the EU and European countries will oppose the new Cold War." This is interpreted as China having no intention to compete for hegemony with the US or Europe and urging Europe not to join the US in containing China.

President Xi also emphasized the need to jointly ensure the stability and reliability of industrial and supply chains and to oppose decoupling, protectionism, and the politicization and weaponization of economic, trade, and scientific and technological exchanges.

In response, President Michel reportedly stated that the EU adheres to the 'One China' policy and will not interfere in China's internal affairs. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that he mentioned the desire to continue advancing the process of concluding the EU-China investment agreement and to deepen cooperation in various fields.

President Xi began his third term following the Party Congress in October. Last month, he held successive meetings with the leaders of the United States, Germany, and France, seeking to improve the deteriorated relations with the West over the past several years.