China EU Photo:VCG

 
Labeling China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time is neither consistent with reality nor viable, Chinese Foreign Minister said in reference to Europe's China policy, noting that such labeling only caused distractions and created obstacles for China-Europe ties.

Wang made these remarks during a press conference on Thursday on the sidelines of the annual two sessions, adding that Europe's labeling of China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time is like driving to a crossing and finding the red, yellow and green lights all on at the same time. "How can one drive on?"

In the context of China-EU relations, the two sides should act as partners. Cooperation should be the defining feature of the relationship, with autonomy as its key value, and win-win as its future, said Wang. He then stressed that China hopes that China-EU relations will move ahead smoothly meeting with "green lights" at every crossing.

A strong Europe is in the long-term interest of China, and a strong China is also in the fundamental interest of Europe, said Wang.

The Chinese foreign minister said that it is believed that as long as China and Europe engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, no attempt to create bloc confrontation will succeed, and as long as China and Europe stay committed to openness and mutual benefit, deglobalization will not prevail. 

Global Times