EU Leaders Visit China
Von der Leyen: "Imbalances Between Our Sides Are Deepening... Genuine Solutions Are Essential"
Costa: "China Should Use Its Influence to Help End the War in Ukraine"
On July 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Union (EU) leaders visiting China and stated that China-EU relations have reached a significant turning point. He emphasized that both sides must make the right strategic choices amid the current turbulent international situation.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, as well as Reuters and AFP, President Xi met with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on this day.
During the talks, President Xi noted that as China and the EU mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, their relationship "stands at another important historical juncture." He said, "Facing an international situation entangled with changes and turmoil unseen in a century, the leaders of China and Europe must once again demonstrate insight and responsibility, live up to the expectations of their people, and make the right strategic choices that can withstand the test of history."
President Xi went on to say, "China and Europe are constructive forces that advocate multilateralism and promote open cooperation." He added, "The more severe and complex the international situation becomes, the more both sides need to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and deepen cooperation. Through stable and healthy relations, we must provide greater stability and certainty to the world."
He stressed, "The challenges Europe currently faces do not originate from China. There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical clashes between our two sides. Cooperation outweighs competition, and consensus is greater than disagreement." He emphasized, "Let us uphold openness and cooperation, properly address differences and frictions, and continue to advance our cooperation."
In response, President von der Leyen stated that "the relationship between our two sides is at a turning point" and that trade and other imbalances must be readjusted.
President von der Leyen added, "As our cooperation has deepened, the imbalances have also grown. We have reached a turning point," and emphasized, "It is essential to readjust the balance in our relationship."
She further stressed, "We must acknowledge each country's concerns and present genuine solutions."
President Costa called on China to use its influence over Russia to help end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
He urged, "As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China should exercise its influence over Russia so that Russia respects the UN Charter and brings an end to the war (of aggression) against Ukraine."
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