Chinese leader Xi Jinping told French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday that he hoped China and Europe would expand cooperation to better respond to global challenges, state television CCTV reported. Chinese.
In a videoconference meeting between the three terms, Xi also expressed hope that Europeans “will play a more active role in international affairs, achieve strategic independence and provide a fair, transparent and impartial environment for Chinese companies. », Continued the official vehicle.
Merkel’s office confirmed that the three leaders had exchanged views on relations between China and the European Union. According to the statement, the three discussed international trade, environmental and biodiversity protection, pandemic control, the global vaccine stock, and regional and international issues.
The Elysee Palace also confirmed the virtual meeting, adding that discussions had taken place to calibrate positions before several global meetings, including the COP26 summit on the fight against global warming in Glasgow.
Regarding trade, European leaders reaffirmed “European expectations regarding access to the Chinese market and the conditions for fair competition,” the statement said.
European leaders also said that, given the success of vaccination campaigns, air links between the bloc and China, affected by the pandemic, “should be resumed as soon as possible, respecting the principle of reciprocity.”
They also reiterated “their concern for the human rights situation in China and reiterated their demands to fight against forced labor.”
In May, the European Parliament suspended ratification of a new investment pact with China until Beijing lifts sanctions against EU politicians, deepening the dispute between the two sides.