Chinese President Xi Jinping Emphasizes Need to ‘Build More Bridges’ Between China and EU
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Beijing on January 12, 2023, where he underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between China and the European Union (EU). During the meeting, President Xi stressed that China’s EU policy has remained consistent over the years, with the nation considering the 27-member bloc as a valuable partner. Prime Minister De Croo’s visit to Beijing, which began on Thursday, came just 11 days after Belgium assumed the presidency of the Council of the EU.
President Xi urged closer cooperation and communication between China and the EU to work towards a balanced and orderly multipolar world and a globally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. This, he believes, will contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity. Prime Minister De Croo expressed his willingness to play a constructive role in fostering stronger ties between the EU and China, hoping that his visit would be the first step towards elevating the partnership to new heights. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between China and the EU to promote global economic growth, address climate change, and establish a more stable world.
President Xi extended a warm welcome to Belgian businesses, encouraging them to invest and engage in business activities in China. He assured them of an enabling business environment in the country. Furthermore, President Xi reiterated China’s focus on its ties with Belgium, emphasizing their shared interests in combatting protectionism and upholding free trade. He also called for joint efforts to enhance cooperation in traditional sectors like transportation, logistics, and biopharmaceuticals, as well as in green development and the digital economy.
Prime Minister De Croo reiterated Belgium’s opposition to decoupling and the severing of supply chains while expressing a favorable stance towards Chinese businesses. The Belgian leader began his visit on Thursday by exploring the Forbidden City and inaugurating Belgium’s new embassy in Beijing, which he described as marking the beginning of a new era of engagement between Belgium and China based on robust people-to-people ties, diplomatic partnerships, and mutual prosperity. During his time in China, he also met with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
Accompanied by Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, Prime Minister De Croo’s visit delivered positive news for Belgian farmers as China expressed readiness to lift the embargo on Belgian pork. The leaders’ visit and Premier Li’s upcoming visit to Europe indicate the deepening engagement between China and Belgium and their commitment to fostering further cooperation.
Experts believe that maintaining a stable relationship between China and the EU is essential as it serves the interests of both sides. As bilateral engagement continues to strengthen, there is a mutual recognition that neither side can afford to decouple from the other. The world is closely watching as China and the EU cooperate on various global challenges.
In conclusion, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister De Croo’s meeting in Beijing underscored the importance of building stronger bridges between China and the EU. With a stable and cooperative relationship, the two sides aim to contribute to global stability, prosperity, and sustainable development.
