Beijing, 1 December 2022 (TDI): The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, met with Chinese President, Xi Jinping today in China. The talks were held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Earlier Charles Michel had shared on Twitter about his impending visit to China. Since the 20th Chinese Communist Party National Congress, this is the first official meeting between the leaders of China and the European Union (EU) institutions.
This visit brings to light the disagreements in Europe over how to engage with China. The visit to China takes place following the strategic discussion on the EU’s relations with China at the European Council in October.
Ukraine Crisis
During the talks, the Chinese President called for efforts to bring calm to the war in Ukraine. “Solving the Ukraine crisis through political means is in the best interest of Europe and the common interest of all countries in Eurasia,” Xi said.
He added that “it is necessary to avoid escalation and expansion of the crisis,” while also promoting peace talks. While Michel told Xi that the EU counted on China “to contribute to ending Russia’s brutal destruction and occupation”.
Read more: Phone Call between Xi Jinping and European Council President
Moreover, during the talks, both leaders “stressed that nuclear threats are irresponsible and highly dangerous”. President Charles Michel assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that “the EU respects China’s sovereignty and will not interfere in its domestic affairs”.
Furthermore, China’s Xi Jinping told Michel that Beijing will remain open to European companies Zhao Lijian, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, said that “China attaches great importance to developing its relations with Europe”.
He went on to say that “China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and build consensus with the European side through this visit.”
Additionally, “they want to jointly promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of the relations”. He added that “China wants to inject more stability into the complex and turbulent international situation”.
Premier Li Keqiang and Li Zhanshu, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will also hold meetings with President Michel, Zhao said.
He added that leaders of the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-EU relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest.
Human rights, climate change, economic relations, and global health issues are part of the talks according to Michael.
Most importantly, the visit to China is a good time for engagement given the current geopolitical and economic climate. The leaders of the EU and China talk about issues of shared interest as well as global concerns.
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