Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agree in Brussels: the relationship between China and the EU is of global importance. Ahead of the forthcoming summit, both sides promised to strengthen cooperation at a time of global uncertainty.
The year 2025 is symbolic - 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the EU a 80 years since the founding of the United Nations. Wang I described these anniversaries as both a challenge and an opportunity. "The more complex the world becomes, the more we need to rely on each other as pillars of stability," he said.
According to him, the upcoming leaders' summit to set the direction of relations for the next 50 years. China wants to take stock of its experience with the EU and send a positive signal of cooperation, peace and sustainability.
Wang stressed that China supports European integration and together with the EU intends to defend multilateralism, free trade and peaceful settlement of disputes. He also called for unified action against climate threats and global challenges.
China, he said, remains committed to quality development and a high level of openness, wants to further deepen economic cooperation, expand access to markets and address differences through dialogue - with the aim of achieving mutual benefits.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the upcoming summit as the best opportunity to strengthen relationships and highlighted the EU's commitment to development a stable, constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with China.
She also confirmed that The EU continues to recognise the one-China policy, and that Brussels wants to engage openly with Beijing on key issues - including climate, security and global justice.
China and the EU want to be a common voice of reason and solution at a time when the world is teetering between conflict and uncertainty.
English 
Czech 
Spanish 
French 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
German