China’s Opening Up to Bring New Opportunities for China-EU Cooperation

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday. The meeting underscored China’s commitment to deepening reforms and opening up, presenting new opportunities for China-EU cooperation.

Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted that the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has laid out a new blueprint for advancing Chinese-style modernization. He emphasized that China’s high-quality development and high level of opening up would bring beneficial prospects for China-EU collaboration.

“The consensus between China and the EU far outweighs the differences,” Wang noted, adding that a healthy, stable, and sustainable China-EU relationship serves the fundamental interests of both sides and meets the common expectations of the international community.

Wang Yi called for both parties to remain committed to their partnership, respect the will and choices of their respective peoples, and engage in dialogue on an equal footing. He stressed the importance of enhancing understanding to navigate the uncertainties of the international situation with the stability of China-EU relations.

He reiterated China’s longstanding support for European integration and the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy. “We hope that the new EU leadership will adopt a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, view China’s development objectively and amicably, and ensure a smooth transition in China-EU relations,” Wang said.

Addressing the EU’s anti-subsidy investigations into China’s electric vehicles, Wang Yi characterized the move as “typical trade protectionism” that is not conducive to global green transformation. He expressed hope that both sides could find a reasonable solution through dialogue and consultation to safeguard the free trade system and economic globalization.

Borrell affirmed the EU’s commitment to Europe-China relations and its independent policy towards China. “The EU is not involved in curbing China’s development and is pleased to see China’s rise,” he stated. Borrell expressed the EU’s willingness to maintain communication with China to better understand each other’s positions, share mutual concerns openly, and develop a balanced Europe-China economic and trade relationship.

He also reiterated the EU’s stance on the one-China policy, stating, “The EU has always maintained that Taiwan is not a country, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.” Borrell affirmed that the EU would continue to pursue the one-China policy.

Borrell congratulated China on its efforts to promote reconciliation among Palestinian factions and expressed the EU’s readiness to work with China to promote peace. He acknowledged the peace initiatives by China and Brazil for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Wang Yi elaborated on China’s principled position on the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that the most urgent task is to cool down the situation. “China has always insisted on urging peace and promoting talks for a political solution,” he said. Wang expressed support for the EU in playing a leading role in exploring a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture.

The meeting between Wang Yi and Josep Borrell signifies a mutual commitment to strengthening China-EU relations amid global challenges. Both sides expressed optimism about future cooperation and the positive impact of China’s opening up on bilateral ties.