Turmoil International Situation, Xi Jinping Emphasizes The Importance Of The China-Europe Partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit (PHOTO VIA ANTARA)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing has always considered Europe as a partner while praising the Belgian prime minister for his statement against "separation and termination of relations".

President Xi met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who arrived in Beijing on his two-day official visit on Thursday, January 11.

During the meeting, Xi and China said they welcomed Belgian companies to invest and operate in their country.

Xi hopes Europe will also provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

"Facing a volatile international situation, more 'bridges' need to be built between China and Europe," Xi said, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

He also expressed China's willingness to cooperate with the European Union to encourage stable progress in China-EU relations throughout 2024.

Xi hopes Belgium, as EU-revolving president, will play an active role related to the effort.

Prime Minister De Croo assured Xi that Belgium will continue to comply with One China's policies and be willing to hold open discussions with Beijing to further develop bilateral relations in the political, economic, and other areas.

"Belgium opposes 'diviscation and termination of relations', as well as welcomes Chinese companies to cooperate in Belgium, and hopes to strengthen inter-governmental and inter-cultural exchanges with China," he said.

According to him, the world needs cooperation between China and Europe as partners and strengthening cooperation in various fields, such as encouraging world economic growth, overcoming climate change, and building a more stable world.

Previously, De Croo also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Li Qiang and said they were also discussing the Russia-Ukraine war.

"It is warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Li Qiang in Beijing to discuss our shared challenges, such as climate change, maintain a rules-based international order, or prevent future pandemics," he wrote on X.

"We are also discussing Russia's war against Ukraine and its global consequences," he said on the platform.