Beijing, 1 December 2022 (GNP): Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, met with Xi Jinping, the president of China, today in China. The meetings took place in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
This is the first formal meeting between Chinese officials and EU institutions since the 20th Chinese Communist Party National Congress.
This visit highlights the tensions in Europe about how to interact with China. Following a strategic debate on the EU’s ties with China at the European Council in October, a visit to China is being made.
During the meeting, the Chinese President advocated for actions to settle the Ukraine conflict. According to President Xi, it is in the most significant interests of Europe and the region to use political measures to resolve the Ukraine situation.
In addition to encouraging peace negotiations, he continued, it is imperative to prevent the issue from escalating and growing worse. Michel also informed Xi that the EU relied on China to help put an end to Russia’s terrible occupation and damage.
During the talks, both leaders stressed that nuclear threats are irresponsible and dangerous. President Charles Michel assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that the EU respects China’s sovereignty and will not interfere in its domestic affairs. Furthermore, China’s Xi Jinping told Michel that Beijing would remain open to European companies.
Zhao Lijian, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said, China attaches great importance to developing its relations with Europe. China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and build consensus with the European side through this visit.
He informed that they wish to work together to further the relationship’s steady, enduring growth. China aims to give more excellent stability to the complex and tumultuous world environment.
President Michel will also meet with Premier Li Keqiang and Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
He continued by saying that the two leaders will engage in an extensive discussion about China-EU ties and global and regional topics of mutual concern.
According to Michael, the discussions cover global health, economic ties, and human rights. Most significantly, given the current geopolitical and economic environment, a visit to China is a favorable moment for interaction. Leaders from both sides discuss topics of mutual interest and international issues.