China-EU ties have more significant global influence in turbulent world: Chinese VP

BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Amid the current turbulent international situation, the relationship between China and the European Union (EU) holds increased strategic significance and global influence, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said on Tuesday.

Han made the remarks when addressing a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU.

Han said that since the establishment of China-EU ties 50 years ago, exchange and dialogue between the two sides have become increasingly close, the integration of interests has deepened, and the scale and level of cooperation have been greatly improved, which has contributed to the development of both sides, and benefited the world.

No clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts exists between China and the EU, making them partners that can contribute to each other's success, Han said.

He said that both sides should seize the opportunity presented by the 50th anniversary of their ties, uphold their original intentions in establishing diplomatic relations, work to grasp the general trend of their ties accurately, adhere to the established positioning of their partnership, promote the continuous positive development of China-EU relations, and uphold the principles of mutual respect, openness and cooperation, as well as mutual benefits and win-win results.

Before the reception, Han met with former European Council President Charles Michel and representatives of EU envoys to China, noting that China and the EU have fully resumed exchange between their legislatures, providing new impetus for the development of China-EU ties.

Facing the complex and volatile international situation, China and the EU, as two major forces that play stabilizing and constructive roles in the world, should shoulder their due responsibilities, enhance dialogue, deepen cooperation, handle economic and trade differences properly, and work together to safeguard the rules and order of multilateral trade, Han said.

The EU side said that since the establishment of ties 50 years ago, EU-China relationship has become one of the closest relations in the world.

Both sides should review and summarize their experience and inspirations, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, lay a solid foundation for further development of EU-China relations over the next 50 years, and inject stability and certainty into the world, the EU side said.