President of China Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to the UK from 19 until 23 October 2015. This visit will lay a more solid foundation for the relationship between China and Europe. Xi has frequently delivered remarks on China-Europe relations in the past two years, stressing that China and Europe should build their partnership of peace, growth, reform and progress of civilisation. The remarks have pointed the way for the China-EU relationship.
- A prosperous and stable Europe also benefits China
China attaches great importance to the position and role of Europe. A prosperous and stable Europe is also beneficial to China’s interests and China will, as always, support the cause of European integration and the continent’s efforts in dealing with debt issues. China is willing to cooperate with Europe in a practical manner to promote a comprehensive Sino-European strategic partnership.
[When Xi met with Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto in Sanya, South China’s Hainan Province on 6 April 2013].
- Two major forces, two important markets, two civilizations
As the largest developing country and the largest group of developed countries, China and the EU are two major forces in maintaining world peace. As two major economies in the world, China and the EU are two important markets to promote common development. As the important birthplace of Eastern and Western culture, China and the EU are two civilizations that advance the cause of human progress.
[When Xi met with Herman Van Rompuy, then European Council President and Jose Manuel Barroso, then European Commission President on 20 November 2013].
- Have confidence in Europe
Europe is an important power in the world today. China attaches great importance to the position and role of Europe, supports the cause of European integration and is optimistic about the development prospect of Europe. Even if Europe is in a difficult time, we still have confidence in Europe.
[When Xi Jinping met with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev in Beijing on 13 January 2014].
- Cooperation between China and the EU has gone beyond the bilateral scope
The trade relationship between China and the EU is one of the largest and most dynamic ones in the world. The EU is China’s largest trade partner and China is the EU’s second largest trade partner. The two sides are the most important market to each other and have great potential and broad prospects in cooperation. As the largest developing country and the largest group of developed countries, cooperation between China and the EU has gone beyond the bilateral scope and has global significance.
[In an article signed by Xi Jinping that was published on Dutch paper NRC-Handelsblad on 23 March 23 2014].
- China and Europe should maximise common interests
‘The wise seeks common ground while the unwise clings to differences.’ China and Europe should respect each other, treat each other as equals, seek common ground while shelving differences, and pursue win-win cooperation. By doing so, we will enhance our dialogue and engagement, maximise common interests, share opportunities and jointly meet challenges. Rapids and rocks can never stop a river from flowing into the sea. Likewise, I believe that no issues or differences can stop the friendship and cooperation between China and Europe from growing.
[In an article by Xi Jinping published on the Belgian paper Le Soir on 29 March 29 2014.]
- China and the EU should burn with flame of prosperity and development
China and the EU should respect each other’s path of development and social system, strengthen dialogue and exchange on reform, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and always uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, seeking common ground while putting aside differences, and win-win cooperation. The two sides should work together to manage trade and economic problems through equal dialogue and friendly consultation, letting the flame of trade frictions fade away and burn with the flame of prosperity and development. China hopes that the EU will keep its market open, take a very cautious approach while considering trade remedy measures and better manage and control trade frictions.
[When Xi met with Jose Manuel Barroso, then European Commission President in Brussels on 31 March 2014].
- Mutual dependence
After nearly 40 years of development, China-EU relationship has developed into a multi-layered and highly interdependent with high interdependence. China-EU relationship is not only important for the development of China and the EU, but also has a significant impact on world political and economic patterns.Under the new situation, China and the EU should comprehensively implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, cooperating with each other in the China-EU, Asia-Europe and global levels.
[When Xi met with Herman Van Rompuy, then European Council President in Brussels on 31 March 2014].
- China and Europe need to build “bridges” of peace, growth, reform and progress of civilization
We should build the bridge of peace and stability to link the two powers of China and Europe. We should build the bridge of growth and prosperity to link the two big markets of China and Europe.We should build the bridge of reform and progress to link the reform process of China and Europe.We should build the bridge of common cultural prosperity to link the two major civilizations of China and Europe.
[In a speech Xi delivered at the College of Europe in Bruges on 1 April 2014].
- The China-EU relationship has become one of the most important relationships in the world
China and the EU have kept broadening the consensus on safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, with the depth and breadth of their cooperation continuously increasing. The bilateral ties are of growing strategic significance and have become one of the most important relationships in the world.
[When Xi and leaders of the EU exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU on 6 May 2015].
- China and Europe should promote the partnership of peace, growth, reform and progress of civilisation into practice
China and Europe are actively implementing China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation and steadily promote the partnerships of peace, growth, reform and progress of civilization into practice, as well as seeking new space of cooperation and growth points.
[When Xi Jinping held talks with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic in Beijing on 14 October 2015].
Source: People’s Daily
