China, EU should stick to cooperation, uphold multilateralism, Wang Yi says

Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on China and the European Union to stick to cooperation and uphold multilateralism at a group meeting with envoys of the EU and its member countries.

During the meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, Wang said China and the EU, as two constructive forces, are responsible for, and capable of, providing stability and certainty for the world, which is going through changes and turmoil.

Wang called on both sides to respect each other, especially each other's core interests and concerns.

China will never allow the Taiwan region's separation from the motherland, and hopes the EU will continue to follow the one-China principle and oppose "Taiwan independence" in any form, he said.

China and the EU should view each other as partners, Wang also said.

There are no territorial disputes, geopolitical tensions or conflicts over fundamental interests between the two sides, Wang said, adding that he hopes the EU will work with China to "make cooperation the keynote of bilateral relations".

Noting that the post-World War II international rules and order are being undermined, Wang said China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core.

China always follows the approach of promoting peace and talks and opposes the use of force in addressing hot spot issues, Wang said, adding that the country advocates democratization of international relations.

The envoys of the EU and its member countries said the bloc values the crucial role China plays in the world, and that China is always an important cooperative partner for the EU.

The EU hopes to work with China to develop constructive and stable bilateral ties, jointly tackle global challenges, strengthen communication and coordination over regional hot spot issues and uphold multilateralism.