On March 7, 2023, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, met with Simon Mordue, Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to President Charles Michel of the European Council. The two sides had positive and in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU relations and other issues.

Ambassador Fu said that President Michel’s visit to China at the end of last year was a great success, during which the leaders of the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU relations and issues of shared interest. The significant consensus reached by them set a clear direction for the development of China-EU relations. The ongoing China’s “Two Sessions” will put forward a series of policies on deepening reform and opening up, which will bring new opportunities for the development of China-EU relations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. China hopes to take the opportunity to work with the EU side to prepare for this year’s China-EU Summit and resume and enhance dialogue and cooperation in various fields.

Ambassador Fu briefed Mr. Mordue on China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, noting that China has always upheld an objective and impartial position on the Ukraine crisis. The priority now is to push for ceasefire and avoid further casualties. China is ready to work with the international community to contribute to the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Mr. Mordue said that President Michel’s significant and successful visit to China fully demonstrated the significance of China-EU partnership. The EU is willing to make joint efforts with China to prepare for the EU-China Summit, promote dialogue in various fields and seek more practical cooperation results. It serves the interests of both sides and the broader international community.

They also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment and other issues.