According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on July 21st, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with a cross-party parliamentarian delegation led by Michaela McAlistair, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, in Beijing.
Wang Yi welcomes the European Parliament's first delegation to visit China, expressing that the biggest change in the world has happened in China over the past half century. The Chinese Communist Party has led the Chinese people to continue striving and found a successful development path conforming to national conditions, gaining popular support, and meeting the tide of times. This has opened up two major miracles: long-term social stability and economic rapid growth, while also accelerating green low-carbon sustainable development and promoting China's modernization. China's positive experiences and successful practices have gained increasing recognition and support from countries worldwide. China’s development is a growing force for peace, an enhancer of stability, and a guarantor of prosperity. It provides the greatest certainty for world peace and development, bringing tangible benefits to people across all nations. The European Parliament has important influence on EU foreign policy, and hopes that the delegation will strengthen exchanges with Chinese society, understand a true, comprehensive and continuously developing China, promote a rational objective understanding of China by Europe, implement positive and correct policies toward China, and foster stable development between China and Europe.
Wang Yi emphasized that history and reality prove that China and Europe are partners, not rivals. There is a deep integration of interests between China and Europe, and we share similar positions on many major issues such as adhering to multilateralism, supporting the United Nations, and maintaining free trade. Both sides should maintain a partnership-oriented approach as the main tone of their relations. Within this framework, they should address specific issues that arise during the development of their relations, avoiding politicization of economic and trade issues or overgeneralizing security in interactions. In the long term, efforts should be made to promote a dynamic balance in China-Europe trade and ensure the long-term stability of relations between the two regions. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Europe in global affairs, promote an orderly multipolarization of the world and inclusive economic globalization, and make positive contributions to world peace, stability, and prosperity.
The European side stated that the EU attaches great importance to its relations with China, and appreciates the tremendous development achievements made by China. It opposes any attempts to sever ties with China. Currently, the relationship between Europe and China is at a critical stage. The European side welcomes the resumption of exchanges between the two legislative bodies. It is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, enhance mutual understanding, promote cooperation, and contribute to the healthy and stable development of EU-China relations. China plays a crucial role in many major issues in today's world. The European side is willing to communicate closely with China, especially in areas such as promoting green development and addressing climate change.
Wang Yi elaborated on China's position on trade imbalances, the Ukraine crisis, human rights, and artificial intelligence during his inquiry.
