The week-long 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concludes on October 22, 2022, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Li Hao/GT

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was held successfully, and no individual and no force can block the CPC's grand blueprint of leading the Chinese people to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Chinese Mission to the EU said, refuting ideology-oriented remarks on China made by a European Union (EU) leader.

At the press conference following the meeting of the European Council on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU was "witnessing quite an acceleration of trends and tensions" with China, AP reported on Friday. 

She claimed that China is continuing to reinforce its very assertive and self-reliant course, in an effort to establish its dominance in East Asia and its influence globally.  

In response, a spokesperson of Chinese Mission to the EU said "We disagree with the deeply ideology-oriented remarks." 

The spokesperson said, behind today's complicated and turbulent international situation, one important reason is that there are still some people who cling on to bloc politics mindset, priding their own values as the absolute truth and wantonly imposing their ideology on others. 

The diversity of the world lies in the diversity of its civilizations. It has always been China's position to advocate dialogue, mutual understanding and tolerance among different civilizations. China, at the same time, equally opposes and urges all to stay alert to the rising clamor for ideological confrontation, which might lead to clashes or even confrontations among civilizations, the Chinese Mission to the EU stressed.

"Instead of scapegoating others for their own malaise, one should always take a good reflection on itself in the first place," the spokesperson warned.

The spokesperson urged certain people from the Europe Union to have a thorough reading of the report of the 20th CPC National Congress, from which one might get a better understanding of China's foreign policy. 

China has always been and will always firmly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, and is committed to growing friendship and cooperation in all fields with other countries based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. In building a community with a shared future for mankind, China will unwaveringly follow a win-win strategy of opening up, and actively participate in the reform and the building of the global governance system, according to the spokesperson.

Also, according to the AP, the European Commission president claimed that "The Chinese system is fundamentally different from ours, and we are aware of the nature of the rivalry." "Obviously, we have to be very vigilant when it comes to dependencies," von der Leyen said. She said the EU must boost its own production capacities and seek out "reliable, trustworthy suppliers." 

The Chinese Mission to the EU noted that faced with multiple challenges such as military conflicts, economic slowdown and energy crisis, it is all the more necessary for all countries to work together. 

"We always believe that China and the EU are partners rather than rivals, and that China-EU cooperation far outweighs our competition. Cooperation is the only way that can benefit us both, while conservatism and regression are a road that leads nowhere," the spokesperson of the Chinese mission said.

"We hope that the European side will establish a clearer understanding of the current situation, comprehensively and accurately interpret the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, approach China-Europe relations in an objective manner, and walk with us in the same direction," the spokesperson urged.

By upholding the principle of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences, China and Europe can promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations, and inject more stability and positive energy into this turbulent and fast-changing world, the spokesperson stated.

Chinese experts said on Sunday that China-EU cooperation on many areas such as climate change remains in focus and the EU should focus on practical cooperation, instead of US-instigated ideological rhetoric.

They regarded such opposition from German lawmakers over the deal as "over reaction" and the result of considerations of "political correctness" when it comes to anything related to China. 

It is not surprising that the deeply ideology-oriented economic and foreign ministries, which are dominated by the Greens, part of the coalition government together with Social Democrats and Free Democrats, are deliberately creating challenges for Scholz, experts said. Experts said this will test Scholz on whether he can hold his ground when it comes to cooperation with China.  

The EU should remain independent in its China policy, instead of being ideology-oriented led by the US, and focus more on increasing practical cooperation with China that will bring real benefits to the wellbeing of the people in the region, observers said.

Global Times