FM to attend Munich security talks

Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Germany on Friday, to attend the 60th Munich Security Conference followed by visits to Spain and France.

Analysts said the trip to the three destinations - all key European Union member states and important Western countries - reflects the high priority Beijing attaches to the development of its relations with Europe, multilateralism and bilateral agendas in the new year.

The Munich Security Conference is an annual forum on international strategy and security policy with significant global influence, and China has sent high-level representatives to the conference in recent years.

Wang will deliver a speech at an event on China during the conference, presenting the nation's position on major international issues, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Wang "will elaborate on China's propositions on building a community with a shared future for mankind and on advocating equal and orderly multipolarity in the world", the Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement, noting that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and changes.

Spain is an important country of the European Union and a comprehensive strategic partner of China. The two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations last year. It will be the Chinese foreign minister's first visit to the country in nearly six years.

The Foreign Ministry said "both sides attach great importance" to the minister's visit, and the Spanish side has "made thoughtful and friendly arrangements".

"China hopes that this visit will further implement the consensus of the leaders of the two countries, carry forward the friendly atmosphere of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, consolidate mutual trust, enhance friendship, expand cooperation, and inject new connotations into the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership," it said.

Wang's visit to France - the last stop of his Europe trip that will end on Wednesday - is the first major official visit between the two countries this year.

China and France are both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations.

As part of their joint celebrations, President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged congratulatory messages last month.

Wang will hold bilateral meetings with the French side, and will chair a new round of the China-France Strategic Dialogue alongside the French President's Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne.

"China looks forward to working with the French side to further deepen strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and cultural exchanges, and strengthen communication and collaboration on multilateral issues," the Foreign Ministry said.

Beijing is ready to work with Paris to lead China-EU relations to a steady course and make contributions to world peace, stability and development progress, it added.