President Xi Jinping met with the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday for bilateral talks.
The two EU bosses were in China for the 24th China-EU Summit at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
President Xi said notable progress has been made in bolstering relations with the trading bloc since the end of last year when the two presidents each visited China.
“The China-EU high-level dialogues in the strategic, economic and trade, green, and digital fields have produced rich outcomes,” a statement from the meeting reads.
“The China-EU relationship enjoys a good momentum of consolidation and growth," Xi is reported to have told the meeting.
“This serves the interests of both sides and meets the expectations of our peoples,” he added.
China urged that the two sides work together to sustain the momentum of growth in China-EU relations.
The statement by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry further indicates that President Xi lauded that “transformations of a scale unseen in a century are unfolding in the world.
The ministry added that “China and Europe are two major forces advancing multi-polarity, two major markets in support of globalization, and two major civilizations championing diversity.
“The relationship between China and Europe is essential to global peace, stability and prosperity. It is incumbent on both sides to provide greater stability for the world, stronger impetus for development, and more inspiration and support for global governance,” Chinese MFA stated.
China and the EU have had a “strategic partnership” stretching more than 20 years.
“At this new starting point of China-EU relations, we need to take stock of history, navigate the trend of the world, act with wisdom and a sense of responsibility, and uphold the apt description of our relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership,” China said.
“We should continually strengthen two-way political trust, build strategic consensus, and cement the bonds of shared interest,” the Xi administration stated following the meeting.
The PRC called upon nations to “steer clear of various kinds of interference and step up dialogue and cooperation for the good of our people.”
“We should join hands to tackle global challenges and promote stability and prosperity around the world,” the President is reported to have said at the meeting.
China has lately been keen on reaching out to the West in efforts to strengthen its alliances with Europe and America.
Barely a few weeks ago, President Xi held talks with his US counterpart Joe Biden where they reached a number of agreements for cordial ties.
Xi has also been holding meetings with leaders of Eurasian economies as China moves to consolidate its influence globally.
