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Qin Gang: China and Europe Need to Uphold Three Views in Their Relationship

2023-05-12 23:42

On May 12, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt jointly met the press in Oslo.

In response to a reporter’s question on how to maintain the stable development of China-Europe relations amid the international situation intertwined with changes and turbulence, Qin Gang said that China and Europe are two major forces, markets and civilizations with global influence. Through this visit, he deeply felt the European side’s strong willingness to strengthen communication and coordination and promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Noting the challenges of high winds and choppy waters brought by the once-in-a-century changes in the world, Qin Gang stressed the need to uphold three views to achieve sustained and stable development of China-Europe relations.

First, uphold an inclusive view of the world. As global issues such as the once-in-a-century pandemic, environmental degradation, economic recovery, and development deficits become increasingly prominent and complex, the future of people in all countries is closely interconnected, requiring joint efforts to address common challenges. China and Europe should respect and support the development paths independently chosen by people of all countries and actively respond to the common concerns of the international community. The post-war international order must be preserved, and true multilateralism must be upheld.

Second, uphold a progressive view of history. What the international community needs most is peace, development, fairness and justice, and progress rather than regression. The Cold War was a tragedy for humanity, and a “new Cold War” will only bring greater disaster, seriously damaging the interests of people in China, Europe, and the rest of the world, and severely impacting multilateralism and global governance. China and Europe should jointly oppose a “new Cold War”, take the lead in promoting coordination and positive interaction among major countries, and use their strengths and resources to advance common development and prosperity.

Third, uphold a view of cooperation featuring mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China is a partner of Europe in tackling risks and challenges, and what China exports to Europe and the world is assurance rather than risks. China, Norway, and Europe should all oppose “decoupling economies and severing supply chains”, jointly keep to the right direction of economic globalization, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, tap into cooperation potential, properly address each other’s important concerns, and jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded.

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