China to strengthen communication with EU at upcoming meeting: FM spokesperson

BEIJING - China looks forward to enhancing high-level communication with the European Union (EU) to send a positive signal for the development of the post-pandemic world economy, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a China-Germany-EU leaders' meeting via video link next Monday, joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

"We hope that through this meeting, we will further send a positive signal that China and the EU are committed to strengthening communication and cooperation, jointly safeguarding multilateralism and free trade, and maintaining world peace, stability and prosperity," spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing.

He said at this important meeting, President Xi will have in-depth communication with the EU and German leaders on the China-EU relations and issues of common concern.

China also hopes to strengthen coordination on the next major diplomatic agendas between China and the EU, Zhao said, adding that China will work with Germany and the EU to make good preparations for the meeting.

"This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and China-EU relations are facing important opportunities," Zhao said.

He said that China and Europe are two major powers, markets and civilizations, and under the current circumstances, strengthening high-level communication on bilateral relations and issues of common concern is conducive to enhancing political mutual trust, pushing practical cooperation, and promoting the development of China-EU ties.