Beijing - Saba:
Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that China and the European Union must strengthen cooperation and mutual trust amid the complex international situation.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Xi as saying: "The more complex and serious the international situation becomes, the more necessary it is for China and the European Union to strengthen communication, mutual trust, and deepen cooperation, in order to achieve greater stability and confidence in the world through stable and healthy China-EU relations."According to President Xi, Chinese and EU leaders must demonstrate foresight and responsibility in the face of international turmoil by making the right strategic choice that meets people's expectations.
Xi Jinping met on Thursday with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing.
Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will visit China on Thursday to participate in the 25th China-EU Summit.
The ministry stated that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will co-chair the summit with EU leaders on the same day.
Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas stated that the EU is concerned about China's industrial overcapacity, trade imbalances, and what she described as "economic coercive practices," as well as China's dominance in the production of basic raw materials, chemicals, and consumer drones.These meetings are being held amid efforts by both sides to resolve a number of disputes, most notably the European Union's strict customs duties on Chinese electric cars and the restrictions imposed on some European companies in China.
China is protesting the inclusion of Chinese companies in the new European sanctions package against Russia.