China Breaks Silence on Wang Yi’s Europe Visit: China has officially spoken out about Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s high-profile visit to Europe amid growing tensions with the European Union. In a detailed statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning outlined Wang’s key meetings in Brussels and highlighted China’s vision for a stronger, more cooperative future with the EU. The article covers China’s stance on trade, multilateralism, upcoming summits, and its concerns about EU perceptions.
China Breaks Silence on Wang Yi’s Europe Visit: Here’s What China Says
In a significant development amid escalating economic and trade tensions between China and the European Union, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s ongoing visit to Europe has drawn international attention. As questions grow around the purpose and outcomes of this diplomatic trip, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has finally broken its silence, outlining the meetings, messages, and strategic intentions behind the visit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning provided a detailed briefing, shedding light on Wang Yi’s engagements and Beijing’s broader vision for China-EU relations.
During his visit to Brussels, Wang Yi met with key EU leaders, including President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
The trip also included meetings with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot. One of the key highlights was the 13th round of the China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue, signaling Beijing’s intent to maintain and deepen institutional communication with Brussels.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of this year, which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. He noted that the anniversary provides a critical opportunity to reflect on past achievements and map out the future of the partnership. Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to build on the historical foundation of China-EU relations, expand dialogue, and enhance cooperation in various fields over the next five decades.
In a time of increasing geopolitical instability, Wang described China and the EU as two “major players, markets and civilizations” that shoulder joint responsibility in promoting global peace and stability. He reiterated China’s support for multilateralism and free trade, calling on both sides to uphold international rules, peacefully resolve disputes, and collaborate on addressing global issues such as climate change.
“China stands ready to work with the EU to see each other as partners, deepen economic and trade cooperation, open wider to each other, properly handle differences through consultation, and achieve win-win results,” Mao Ning quoted the Foreign Minister as saying.
Beijing has also signaled its willingness to enhance coordination with the EU in preparation for the upcoming China-EU Summit. This indicates that China is actively seeking to inject new momentum into what it calls a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
On the European side, leaders expressed a commitment to maintaining a “steady and constructive relationship” with China. Despite clear and acknowledged differences, EU officials conveyed their intent to pursue mutually beneficial economic and trade ties, build mutual respect, and jointly confront shared global challenges.
However, China did not hold back from voicing concerns about certain prevailing attitudes in the EU. Mao Ning pointed out that some individuals within the bloc continue to view China through a Cold-War lens, rely on disinformation, and overly emphasize disagreements. She warned that such perceptions are detrimental to cooperation and do not serve the EU’s own interests.
“We hope that the EU will embrace an objective and rational perception of China, practice a more positive and practical China policy and ensure the sound and steady growth of China-EU ties,” Mao stated.
As global power dynamics shift and economic competition intensifies, Wang Yi’s trip and China’s clear articulation of its stance mark a crucial moment in the ongoing evolution of China-EU relations. All eyes now turn to the upcoming China-EU Summit, which may serve as a litmus test for the future of this complex but vital relationship.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official briefing provided by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and does not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.