Sound China-EU ties urged

Premier Li Qiang urged the European Union on Friday to view China's development in a proper way and adopt objective and rational policies toward the country.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane, Laos.

The meeting came a week after EU countries voted to impose duties of up to 35.3 percent on imports of electric vehicles from China, which is scheduled to take effect at the end of this month. In response, China announced on Tuesday that it would impose provisional tariffs of 30.6 to 39 percent on brandy imported from the EU.

Li emphasized that maintaining a sound China-Europe relationship and enhancing pragmatic cooperation are conducive to their respective development, global prosperity and stability, as well as joint responses to global challenges.

It is the shared responsibility of China and the EU, as well as an expectation of the international community, to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of relations between the two sides, he said.

The premier highlighted that China sees Europe as an important direction in its diplomacy and a crucial partner in promoting Chinese modernization. China is also an important partner for Europe in achieving energy and green transitions and in promoting peace and development, he said.

As next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, Li expressed China's willingness to take the anniversary as an opportunity to work with the EU to further consolidate the positive momentum in their relations, enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and make greater contributions to improving the well-being of both peoples as well as promoting global peace and development.

Michel said the EU acknowledges China's development achievements in recent years, and highly values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

The EU wants to resolve relevant issues through dialogue and consultation and promote the development of the EU-China economic and trade relations, he said.

Noting that the EU upholds strategic autonomy, Michel said it is ready to enhance communication and coordination with China in multilateral affairs and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

On Friday, Li also met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Vientiane, and said that China stands ready to work with Singapore to jointly advance their respective modernization process.

Noting that both countries are at a critical stage of development, he said that China is also willing to join Singapore in guiding their all-around cooperation in a high-quality fashion and with foresight.

Li also met with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president.