From November 12 to 15, 2024, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs Wu Hongbo visited the European Union (EU) headquarters. He met respectively with Pedro Lourtie, Chief of Staff for President-designate of the European Council António Costa, and Vivian Loonela, Chief of Staff for Commissioner-designate of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and held talks with EU Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service Niclas Kvarnström.

Wu said that at present, China-EU relations are stable and sound, with frequent high-level exchanges, continuous progress in practical cooperation in various fields, a substantial increase in personnel exchanges, and ongoing communication on international and regional hotspot issues. China and the EU are partners, not rivals. Their common ground far outweighs differences. Maintaining steady and sound development of China-EU relations is in the interests of both sides and the world at large. China and the EU should take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to push for new and greater development of their relations.

Holding talks with EU Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service Niclas Kvarnström

The EU side expressed that it attaches great importance to EU-China relations and is willing to maintain dialogue and communication with China, carry out practical cooperation, properly handle frictions and differences and jointly cope with global challenges. The EU side reiterated that its commitment to the one-China policy will not change.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on international and regional hotspot issues of common interest and concern.

Discussions and exchanges with scholars from European think tanks

In addition, Special Representative Wu Hongbo held discussions and exchanges with scholars from European think tanks.