Xi Jinping spoke by phone with European Council President Michelle

According to CCTV News, President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with European Council President Michel on October 15.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the beginning of this year, the international situation has undergone new changes, and China-EU relations are also facing new problems. China and the EU are two independent forces and comprehensive strategic partners, and it is necessary for the two sides to strengthen strategic communication and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations, which is in the common interests of China and the EU.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and the EU should correctly understand each other, adhere to dialogue and cooperation, and adhere to mutual respect and mutual benefit and win-win results. The two sides should deepen policy communication in the green and digital fields, broaden the field of pragmatic cooperation, actively dock the Belt and Road Initiative and the EU Global Connectivity Initiative, and strengthen communication and cooperation on issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. Welcome the active participation of the EU and member states in global development initiatives, and work with China and other countries to help developing countries realize the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at an early date.

Xi Jinping stressed that it is not surprising that China and the EU have different historical cultures, social systems and development stages, and that there are some competitions, differences and differences, which should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. China always has the sincerity to develop China-EU relations, and at the same time will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests. It is hoped that the European side will adhere to its strategic autonomy, distinguish between right and wrong, and make joint efforts with the Chinese side to promote the development of China-EU cooperation.

Michel said that the recent development and evolution of the international situation has made the EU and member states more aware of the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy. Although the political systems and development models between the EU and China are different, both the EU and China support multilateralism, and the two sides need to cooperate on fighting covid-19, promoting economic recovery, addressing climate change, and maintaining regional peace and stability. The sustained development of the EU-China strategic partnership conforms to the common interests of the two peoples. The EU is willing to strengthen dialogue and contacts with China in the spirit of mutual respect and effectively and properly manage differences. The EU has scrupulously adhered to the one-China policy and has never changed its policy on Taiwan-related issues. The European side will uphold strategic autonomy and handle international affairs. The EU is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation with China in the fields of green and digital economy, strengthen development cooperation, and closely communicate and coordinate on major international issues.

Michelle introduced the European side's views on the situation in Afghanistan. Xi Jinping stressed that China respects Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, respects the independent choice of paths and systems by all countries, and advocates coexistence and mutual learning among different civilizations. China has always played a constructive role in the political settlement of the Afghan issue, and the international community should create a good external environment for the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Edited by Jia Congcong