China and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties during a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. The talks focused on addressing shared global challenges and advancing economic collaboration as the two sides prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Wang, a senior member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the need for enhanced communication between the two powers amid growing geopolitical complexities. “As major forces shaping global stability, China and the EU must work together to uphold multilateralism and promote peaceful resolutions to international disputes,” he stated, highlighting climate change as a key area for joint action.
The meeting comes ahead of a landmark China-EU leaders’ summit, which both parties described as an opportunity to chart a roadmap for cooperation over the next five decades. Wang noted China’s continued support for European integration and called for expanded two-way trade opportunities through mutual openness.
Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, stating: “Our constructive dialogue demonstrates how the EU and China can responsibly address global issues while advancing shared interests.” She confirmed the EU’S adherence to the one-China policy and expressed optimism about collaborative efforts in green energy transitions.
Analysts suggest the discussions signal a pragmatic approach to managing differences while leveraging economic complementarity. With combined GDP exceeding $35 trillion, enhanced China-EU coordination could significantly influence global responses to food security, digital governance, and sustainable development challenges.
