Meets with European Commission von der Leyen

On the afternoon of April 6, President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Commission von der Leyen in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photographed by Xinhua News Agency reporter Yao Dawei

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 6 (Reporter Liu Hua) On the afternoon of April 6, President Xi met with President of the European Commission von der Leyen in the Great Hall of the People.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that China has always regarded the EU as a strategic force in the international landscape and prioritized the development of China Europe relations as a priority direction for China's diplomacy. China is willing to continue its good tradition with the EU, maintain close communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, focus on mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, work together to overcome interference and challenges, and achieve a high-level operation of China Europe relations.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and the EU should strengthen communication, establish correct mutual understanding, and avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments. The Chinese nation has a civilization history of over 5000 years and has always opposed militarism, bullying the weak, and the inevitable hegemony of a strong country. China's development is aimed at enabling the Chinese people to live a good life. At the same time, China firmly upholds its sovereignty, security, and development interests, and will never allow any force to deprive the Chinese people of their right to pursue happiness. China and Europe should focus on cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results, support economic globalization and trade liberalization, engage in in-depth dialogue and communication on issues in economic and trade cooperation, and reach mutually acceptable arrangements through consultation. China is an important partner for Europe to address challenges such as energy and inflation, and enhance competitiveness. We welcome the European side to continue sharing the dividends of China's development.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that the good development of China Europe relations cannot be achieved without independence, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation. China firmly adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace and respects the right of people of all countries to choose their own development path. China's development of bilateral relations with any country is not targeted, dependent, or constrained by third parties. China and Europe should face differences, manage differences, and respect each other. I hope that the European Commission will focus on the fundamental and long-term interests of the EU, start from the overall situation of China Europe relations, and play a positive role in the healthy and stable development of China Europe relations.
 

On the afternoon of April 6, President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Commission von der Leyen in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photographed by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xie Huanchi

President von der Leyen said that China has a long history and profound culture, and the exchanges and mutual learning between European and Chinese civilizations have a positive impact on both sides and the world. There is a lot of consensus between Europe and China in addressing global challenges such as climate change and resolving regional disputes through political means. Both sides should work together to contribute to maintaining world peace and stability. The European side completely disagrees with the practice of "decoupling and chain breaking" and hopes to strengthen exchanges and dialogue with China, restart the three dialogue mechanisms as soon as possible, and carry out more mutually beneficial cooperation.

Regarding the Taiwan issue, President Xi Jinping emphasized that the Taiwan issue is at the core of China's core interests. If anyone writes on a Chinese issue, the Chinese government and people will never agree; If anyone expects China to compromise and compromise on the Taiwan issue, it is wishful thinking and will only lift a stone and hit their own feet.

President von der Leyen reiterated that the EU has no intention of changing its long-term one China policy, recognizing that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China, and hopes that peace and stability will be maintained in the Taiwan Strait region.

Wang Yi, Qin Gang, and others attended the meeting.