Joint defenders of multilateralism

In a fast-changing world and against the rising trend of protectionism and unilateralism, the commitment of China and the European Union to enhance cooperation and safeguard multilateralism not only serves the common interests of both sides but also those of the world.

This was the positive message delivered by President Xi Jinping and President of the European Council Charles Michel when they talked by phone on Monday.

Congratulating Michel on assuming the presidency of the body that sets the EU's political direction and priorities, Xi said the stable development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership caters to the two sides' common interests.

As a country that views its relations with the world's largest trading bloc with strategic significance, China will maintain policy continuity and stability in its interaction with the EU. It believes its development represents an opportunity for the bloc rather than presenting a challenge.

Xi stressed that China and the EU are not rivals in a zero-sum game. Instead, they are resolute champions of multilateralism and free trade.

Beijing and Brussels have stood together as two important and indispensable forces defending the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at the core, and helped the world counter the undertow of unilateralism and protectionism that has dragged on global trade and world economic growth.

The EU has everything to gain from maintaining consistent and forward-looking policies toward China and working with China to promote sound and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

It should not cave in to the pressure from the United States, which wants it to follow its lead on issues such as 5G.

As long as the two partners continue to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen communication and meet each other half way, bilateral cooperation will have broad prospects. Apart from quickening their steps in reaching a bilateral investment agreement, Beijing and Brussels can also expand the scope of their cooperation by aligning the Belt and Road Initiative and the EU strategy for Eurasian connectivity.

On the international level, the two sides can jointly work for the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and push forward WTO reform in a direction that benefits all parties.

By strengthening their communication, coordination and cooperation, China and the EU will not only ensure the stable development of their own partnership, they can also bring more stability, certainty and positive energy to the world.