President Xi Urges China and EU to Foster Global Stability and Reduce Uncertainty

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President Xi Urges China and EU to Foster Global Stability and Reduce Uncertainty, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with top European Union leaders in Beijing on Thursday, marking the 25th China-EU Summit. During the meeting, Xi called on both sides to strengthen multilateralism, promote transparency, and deepen cooperation in a bid to contribute to global stability and diminish rising uncertainties.

The summit was accompanied by a CGTN article highlighting the transformation of China-EU relations from near non-existence to one of the most significant economic partnerships globally. While bilateral trade was negligible fifty years ago, today’s daily trade volume now matches the entire annual trade of the early years of their diplomatic ties.

“China and the EU Have No Fundamental Conflicts”

Addressing European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People, Xi stressed that China and the EU do not have fundamental geopolitical rivalries or irreconcilable interests. “The challenges the EU faces today are not caused by China,” Xi said, emphasizing that their relations should be rooted in cooperation, not competition.

He added that occasional disagreements could be resolved through dialogue and consensus, urging both sides to pursue mutual respect and pragmatic engagement.

Xi’s Three Proposals for Future China-EU Relations

President Xi laid out three key proposals to shape the future of China-EU relations:

1. Mutual Respect and Partnership: Both sides should build their relationship on the foundations of mutual respect and cooperation.
2. Properly Managing Differences: Differences and disputes should be handled transparently and through dialogue to maintain healthy cooperation.
3. Commitment to Multilateralism: Both parties should uphold the international order and established rules by reinforcing their support for multilateral frameworks.

Trade and Investment: A Relationship of Mutual Benefit

Xi described China-EU economic ties as mutually beneficial and structurally complementary. He noted that China’s pursuit of high-quality development and further openness would bring new opportunities for both parties. He encouraged strengthening green and digital partnerships and enhancing two-way investments.

According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade between China and the EU reached $785.8 billion in 2024 — a more than 300-fold increase since the beginning of diplomatic relations in 1975.

The upward trend in investment is also evident. For instance, Chinese battery manufacturer CALB is building a $2.2 billion plant in Sines, Portugal, expected to create around 1,800 jobs.

Xi urged the EU to maintain transparency in trade and investment, avoid restrictive measures, and ensure a fair business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Europe.

During the summit, both parties agreed to enhance their export control dialogue mechanism, ensure swift communication in times of concern, and maintain the stability and continuity of China-EU industrial and supply chains.

Multilateralism and Shared Global Responsibilities

Xi reiterated China’s commitment to viewing EU-China relations from a long-term strategic perspective. He described the EU as a major pole in a multipolar world and expressed support for European integration and EU strategic autonomy.

“China-EU relations should not be subjected to third-party influence,” Xi said, adding that both sides must deepen strategic communication, build mutual trust, and develop accurate perceptions of each other.

Former EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy also weighed in, telling CGTN that despite differences, China and the EU share common ground on major global issues such as multilateralism, climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean conservation.

A joint statement on climate change issued after the summit reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to combating environmental crises and promoting green development.

“A Constructive Force for Global Stability”

President Xi concluded by calling on China and the EU to be constructive forces in the global arena by embracing transparency and cooperation, thereby increasing global stability and reducing uncertainty in a complex international environment.