Top Chinese diplomat links int’l situation to stable China-EU relations

ANKARA

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday linked the international situation to stable China-EU relations and said a healthy, stable and sustainable relationship is in the fundamental interests of both sides.

During his meeting with EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell in Laos' capital Vientiane, Wang said China will, as always, support the European integration process and support the EU in adhering to strategic autonomy.

"(China-EU should) engage in equal dialogue and enhance understanding, and respond to the uncertainty of the international situation with the stability of China-EU relations," he said, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

He hoped that the new EU institutions will pursue a rational and pragmatic policy toward China, view China's development objectively and friendly, and achieve a smooth transition in China-EU relations.

On his part, Borrell said the EU is willing to maintain communication with China to better understand each other's positions.

"The EU will not participate in curbing China's development and is happy to see China's rise," he said, adding the EU has always believed that Taiwan is not a country, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid