Premier Li: China’s development is an opportunity for Europe, not a risk

China’s development is an opportunity, not a risk, for Europe, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday during a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the 18th G20 summit in India.

“No matter now or in the future, China is and will be a trustworthy friend and partner for Europe,” Li said.

He said there is no geopolitical conflict between China and Europe, let alone a fundamental conflict of interests.

China stands ready to work with Europe to enhance dialogue and negotiation, discuss establishing relevant mechanisms to promote the reliability and stability of China-Europe economic and trade relations, Li said, welcoming more European businesses to invest and operate in China.

As China and Europe are two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, China-Europe relations bear on global stability and prosperity of the Eurasian continent, Li said.

He added that China hopes to see a prosperous and stable Europe, and is ready to work with the European side to stay committed to their partnership, further strengthen dialogue and exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and properly handle sensitive issues, to promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations and inject stability and positive energy into this turbulent world.

Li pointed out that both sides should strengthen strategic guidance. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said he looks forward to co-chairing the new round of China-EU summit with Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Michel, for his part, said that the EU is willing to be a sincere, credible and constructive friend and partner of China.

A prosperous China is good for the EU and the wider world, and the EU has no intention to contain China’s development, Michel said.

The EU adheres to the one-China principle and stands ready to work with China to host a successful EU-China summit, deepen dialogue and cooperation in various fields, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, public health, security and stability, he added.

(With input from Xinhua)