Flag of China and the EU Photo: VCG

A spokesperson for China's top legislature on Saturday refuted the fallacy that "China and Europe are systemic rivals," calling on the two sides to expand cooperation and jointly make greater contributions to world peace and development, as lingering geopolitical conflicts still cast a pall over the global economy.

The rhetoric that "China and Europe are systemic rivals" is driven by the Cold War mentality and ideological biases. It is not in the fundamental and long-term interests of China and the EU, Wang Chao, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), told a press conference on Saturday.

Admitting China and the EU have divergent views on certain issues, Wang noted that there is no fundamental strategic disagreements or conflicts between the two sides. They have common interests and cooperation basis built up over many years.

China-EU relations have grown steadily since last year. Both sides agreed to work for the sound and stable development of China-Europe relations, reject a new Cold War, and block confrontation and economic decoupling, Wang said, adding that both sides stand for upholding the UN-centered international system, safeguarding international economic and trade rules and order and practicing multilateralism.

In 2022, despite headwinds, China-EU trade rose 5.6 percent and the EU investment in China surged 96.6 percent year-on-year. The China-Europe Railway Express set a new record on the trips it made, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

China has always seen Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner. China supports EU's strategic autonomy, and supports a united and prosperous Europe and the constructive role of the EU in international affairs, according to Wang.

It is hoped that the European side will join hands with China to tackle global challenges like climate change, and push for the political settlement of international and regional issues to make a greater contribution to world peace and development, Wang said.

With China emerging from the shadow of COVID-19, mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation between China and the EU will pick up rapidly in the post-COVID economic recovery, which will surely bring more confidence and hope for global stability and prosperity, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Global Times