Xi calls for 'correct strategic choices' from EU
President Xi Jinping listens to European Council president Antonio Costa make a point as European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen looks on. Photo: Reuters
President Xi Jinping said China and the EU must deepen trust and make "correct strategic choices" in a turbulent world, as he opened talks with the European bloc's bosses at a key summit in Beijing on Thursday.
Both sides can find common ground, Xi stressed, despite areas of friction such as trade.
Beijing has sought to draw the European Union closer as it positions itself as a more reliable partner than the United States and a bedrock of stability in a troubled world.
"Fifty years of China-EU ties have yielded fruitful cooperation outcomes and benefited the world," the president said.
"The more severe and complex the international situation, the more China and the EU must strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation," he told European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa.
"Chinese and European leaders should... make correct strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people."
Xi called on both sides to "provide more stability, certainty for world through steady, sound bilateral relations".
China and the European Union, he said, are both constructive forces for multilateralism, openness and cooperation. (Xinhua & agencies)
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