Foreign Minister Wang Yi: Europe is an Important Partner for China's Modernization

JAKARTA - The Chinese government has reaffirmed its position as a partner for European countries, not as a competitor in international relations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Europe is one of the important forces in the multipolar world order and has a strategic role in maintaining international stability.

"We have always argued that Europe is a natural pole in the multipolar order. Europe is an important force that maintains the stability of the international order and a key partner in realizing China's modernization," Wang Yi said at a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations in Beijing, Antara, Sunday, March 8.

According to Wang Yi, China-Europe relations can develop stably if European countries have a proper understanding of China.

He also said that more and more people in Europe were looking at China more objectively and positively, especially the younger generation.

"We note that more and more people in Europe are realizing that China is not a competitor, but a global partner, especially the younger generation who view China more objectively and more positively," he said.

Wang Yi added that the economic and trade relations between China and Europe are basically complementary.

According to him, this cooperation has the potential to achieve a dynamic balance in line with the development process of each party.

"The fact of China-European cooperation shows that interdependence is not a risk, the entanglement of interests is not a threat, open cooperation will not undermine economic security, while building walls and barriers will only isolate themselves," he said.

He also stated that China welcomes the presence of European countries to strengthen economic cooperation and increase competitiveness in the Chinese market.

China-Europe relations are also reflected in a number of visits by European leaders to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Some of them are German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on 25-26 February 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 28-31 January 2026, and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on 24-29 January 2026.

In addition, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin also visited on 4-8 January 2026. Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Beijing on 3-5 December 2025, as well as King Felipe VI of Spain on 10-13 November 2025.