China will live up to its word on EU investment treaty: foreign minister
- Wang Yi says China backs European Union playing a bigger role in global affairs
- But issues around labour rights and forced labour are causing a backlash from EU parliamentarians
At a press conference on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress, Wang played up the prospects of cooperating with Brussels, saying both sides should work together to tackle global challenges. He pledged Beijing’s support for the EU – which is seeking more strategic autonomy – to have a bigger global influence,
“China and the EU are two important powers in a multipolar world. Bilateral relations are equal and open, they do not target a third party, nor are they subject to a third party. Therefore, the question of China hoping to divide US-European relations does not exist,” he said.
“Meanwhile, China is willing to see the EU strengthen its strategic autonomy, uphold multilateralism and devote to major power coordination and cooperation.
“I’d like to repeat that China will continue to support the European integration process, back the EU’s solidarity and self-improvement and stand by the EU in playing a bigger role on global affairs.”