Xi: China and the EU should adhere to openness and cooperation and properly manage differences.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China and the European Union should adhere to openness and cooperation and properly manage differences.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are in Beijing to attend the 25th China-EU summit.

He pointed out that history and reality prove that interdependence is not a risk, and that convergence of interests is not a threat. He emphasized that enhancing competitiveness should not be based on building walls or erecting barriers, as disengagement and severing supply chains will only lead to self-isolation.

Xi said that "reducing dependence" should not lead to a reduction in cooperation between China and the EU, adding that the bilateral economic and trade relationship, which is inherently complementary and mutually beneficial, can indeed achieve a dynamic balance through development.

He pointed out that China's high-quality development and openness will provide new opportunities and potential for Sino-European cooperation, calling on both sides to strengthen green and digital partnerships and increase mutual investment and cooperation.

Xi stressed that the EU hopes to maintain openness in its trade and investment markets, refrain from using restrictive economic and trade tools, and create a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating within EU countries.