Chinese leader Xi Jinping continues EU engagement drive in talks with EU Council president
- President’s talks with Charles Michel follow Wednesday’s farewell to ‘old friend of China’ Angela Merkel
- Xi says it is no surprise that there are differences between the two sides but these should be resolved through dialogue
The Friday afternoon call took place amid speculation that Xi will not travel to Europe for the G20 leaders’ summit at the end of the month or for the COP26 climate talks in November, leaving no opportunity for face-to-face talks.
In his call with Michel, Xi said both China and the European Union are facing new challenges, but the two are comprehensive strategic partners and need to step up communication.
“China and Europe are different in their history, culture, social systems and development stages. It is not surprising that there is some competition and differences, but they should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.
“China has always been sincere in developing China-EU relations, and at the same time, it will firmly safeguard its own sovereignty, security, and development interests,” Xi said according to state broadcaster CCTV.