Chinese Foreign Minister (FM) Qin Gang laid down three principles to guide China-Europe relations, as he wrapped up his EU visit in Norway on Friday.
Principles
According to Qin, abiding by the following principles will help maintain the “stable development” of China-Europe relations “amid a changing and volatile international situation.”
- The adherence to an inclusive worldview,
- Commitment to a progressive view of history, and
- Upholding the perspective of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation
During a meeting with Norwegian FM Anniken Huitfeldt in Oslo, Qin said that China and Europe must “jointly oppose and resist ideological antagonism and bloc confrontation, and inject more stability, certainty, and positive energy into world peace and development.”
Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway. The two sides should take this opportunity to promote new progress in bilateral relations in the new era.
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) May 13, 2023
Issues of Concern
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Qin also elaborated on Beijing’s “principled position” on issues that have hampered the two sides from exploiting the full potential of their relationship, such as the sovereignty of Taiwan and Hong Kong, human rights issues in Xinjiang, and others.
He stressed that these issues “bear on China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests” and that China calls for “dialogue and communication based on equality and mutual respect, to enhance understanding, build up trust and dispel misgivings,” but “firmly rejects foreign interference.”
Ukraine
The leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine War, wherein Qin stressed that China “always stands on the side of peace and has been promoting talks for peace since day one of the crisis,” which he said was a demonstration of “its role as a responsible major country.”
He also noted that as the conflict was taking place in Europe, the continent and its component countries should collectively “play a leading role in exploring a way out and achieving enduring peace and stability… through dialogue and negotiations.”