On January 20, 2023, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, Met Camilo Villarino, Head of Cabinet of Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. They had in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU relations and other issues.

Ambassador Fu conveyed the warm regards and best wishes to High Representative Josep Borrell from Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Leading Group, and Qin Gang, Minister of Foreign Affairs. He noted that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China delivers an important message that China will maintain the continuity and stability of its internal and external policies, providing a solid foundation and an overall framework for China’s policy on the EU. Without fundamental conflict of interest and with common interests far outweighing differences, China and the EU are partners rather than rivals. The increasingly complex international landscape is highlighting the significance of China-EU relations for the world. China stands ready to work with the EU to uphold mutual respect and mutual benefit, maintain dialogue and collaboration, advance high-level exchanges, deepen win-win cooperation, and properly manage difference, thus bringing new impetus to the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Mr. Villarino welcomed Ambassador Fu for assuming the new role and said that China is an important partner of the EU and the EU attaches importance to this relationship. He noted that Mr. Borrell looks forward to maintain close contacts with the Chinese side and dealing with complicated geopolitical challenges. He also expressed the EU’s willingness to enhance high-level bilateral exchanges, dialogue and communication and boost practical cooperation in various sectors. He expressed the readiness of him and the Cabinet of Mr. Borrell to establish good working relations with Ambassador Fu and the Chinese Mission, so as to further promote China-EU relations.

They also exchanged views on such issues as China-EU economic relations and trade, the EU’s COVID-19 measures against Chinese visitors and the Taiwan question.