Wang Yi held a video conference with Borelli, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy
On July 8, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a video conference with Borelli, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.
Wang Yi said that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, which is a grand ceremony for the whole party and the whole people. Because the Communist Party of China has always stood with the people, wanted to be together, worked together, adhered to the people-centered thinking, and practiced the purpose of serving the people. This is true democracy and the reason why the party maintains its vitality.
Wang Yi said that China and the European Union are comprehensive strategic partners and two independent forces in the world today. We have the responsibility to maintain the dominant aspect of China-EU dialogue and cooperation, we have the obligation to adhere to the keynote of mutual benefit and win-win results, and we have the confidence to work together to make contributions to addressing global challenges. There are neither major conflicts of interest nor geopolitical conflicts between China and Europe. The only proper positioning that the two sides should adhere to is a comprehensive strategic partnership. The most important principle for mutual exchanges is mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences. The two sides should establish correct mutual understanding, eliminate interference from all sides, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations on the right track. China supports the European side in enhancing strategic autonomy and truly independent development of relations and cooperation with China.
Wang Yi said that the two sides should give play to the leading role of the China-EU high-level exchange mechanism, release positive signals, increase confidence in China-EU relations from all walks of life, and promote cooperation in key areas to achieve results. The top priority is to strengthen communication and coordination on vaccines, diagnosis and treatment, joint prevention and control, and focus on providing more substantive support to developing countries. At the same time, China-EU green partnerships and digital partnerships will be deepened and strengthened. Continue to support each other to successfully host the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Kunming Convention on Biological Diversity, the Glasgow United Nations Climate Change Conference, and the Marseille World Conservation Conference, to promote a benign interaction between China and Europe and form synergy.
Regarding the so-called "rules-based international order," Wang Yi emphasized that the rules should be jointly formulated by the international community, rather than imposing "house rules" and "help rules" on others. All countries should jointly maintain an international system with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as the core, and should jointly uphold an international order based on international law.
Wang Yi elaborated on China's principled position on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and human rights, emphasizing China's unwavering will and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and national dignity, and oppose all kinds of hypocritical "teachers".
Borelli introduced the EU's position and views on EU-China relations and related issues. He said that China's rapid development is an objective fact and is in line with historical trends. The EU has no intention of engaging in institutional confrontation, disagreeing with the "new cold war" and small circles, and has no intention of destabilizing EU-China relations. EU-China cooperation is fundamental and strategic. It is not an option, but a necessary option. We should manage our differences and not let them hinder exchanges and cooperation. The EU and China should develop a strong and sincere relationship, which is in the interests of both parties. The EU is willing to restart contacts and dialogues with China to strengthen cooperation in the fight against epidemics, climate change, and biodiversity protection. The entry into force of the EU-China Investment Agreement is in the interests of both parties, and it is hoped that both parties will work together to this end. The European side believes that international rules refer to the UN Charter, the Declaration of Human Rights and the rules formulated under the UN multilateral framework. It does not agree with the imposition of unilateral sanctions on other countries based on domestic laws or imposing its own will on others. The European side adheres to its own values, but the European side respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not support the "independence" of Hong Kong.
Both parties believe that this video conference is timely and beneficial. The frank exchange of opinions with each other is conducive to enhancing trust and clearing up doubts. The two parties agreed to continue to carry out uninterrupted strategic communication.