On December 21, 2022, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, met Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS), They had in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU relations and other issues.
Ambassador Fu said that as China and the EU are two major forces, big markets, and great civilizations in the world, a stable bilateral relationship will be of great importance both to the two sides and the broader international community. A clear message from the recent 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is the continuity and stability of China’s internal and external policies. Internally, China will follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Externally, China will continue to uphold world peace and promote common development. China hopes that the EU could become an important partner in China’s pursuit of Chinese modernization and share the opportunities brought by China’s huge market and its efforts to advance institutional opening up and deepen international cooperation. China hopes that the EU can seize opportunities and profit from China’s high-quality development.
Ambassador Fu noted that China has along seen the EU as a comprehensive strategic partner and viewed China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. Early this month, President Charles Michel of the European Council visited China. The significant consensus reached by leaders of the two sides sets a clear direction for the development of China-EU relations. China stands ready to work with the EU to actively follow through the consensus reached by the two leaders, deepen close high-level exchanges, and enhance consultation and dialogue in various fields. China also hopes to work with the EU to build closer economic and trade ties, uphold multilateralism, and oppose unilateralism and protectionism, thus bringing more stability and positive energy into the world.
Mr. Wiegand welcomed Ambassador Fu for assuming the new role and said that the EU attaches importance to China-EU relations. He hoped that the two sides could maintain an onward momentum for bilateral relations, advance high-level exchanges as well as dialogue in various fields, and boost cooperation and manage differences in a constructive manner. He also stated that he and the EEAS Department for Asia and the Pacific are ready to establish good working relationships and maintain close communication with Ambassador Fu and the Chinese Mission to the EU, so as to promote the steady development of China-EU relations.
Ambassador Fu also made clear China’s position on such issues as China-EU economic and trade relations and the Taiwan question.
