Qin Gang: China-EU relations should be upheld by three principles

On May 12, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Whitfield in Oslo. In response to a reporter's question on how to maintain the stable development of China-EU relations in the chaotic and intertwined international situation, Qin Gang said that China and Europe are two major forces, two major markets and two major civilizations with world influence. Through this visit, I deeply feel the positive willingness of the European side to strengthen communication and coordination with China and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. In order to maintain the sustained and stable development of China-EU relations, we need to adhere to the following three principles: The first is to adhere to an inclusive world outlook. From the epidemic of the century to the deterioration of the environment, from economic recovery to development deficit, global issues have become increasingly prominent and complex, and the destinies of the people of all countries have been closely linked, and we need to meet common challenges hand in hand. China and the EU should respect and support the development path independently chosen by the people of all countries and jointly actively respond to the general concerns of the international community. The post-war international order must be maintained and true multilateralism must be upheld. The second is to adhere to the progressive view of history. What the international community needs most is peaceful development, fairness and justice, and progress rather than retrogression. The Cold War is a tragedy of mankind, and the "new cold war" will only bring greater disasters, seriously damage the interests of the people of Central Europe and the world, and seriously impact multilateralism and global governance. China and the EU should jointly oppose the "new cold war", take the lead in promoting coordination and benign interaction among major powers, and devote their strength and resources to promoting common development and prosperity. The third is to adhere to the concept of win-win cooperation. China is Europe's partner in dealing with risk challenges, and China exports insurance rather than risk to Europe and the world. China, Norway and the EU are unanimously opposed to "decoupling". They should jointly adhere to the correct direction of economic globalization, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, tap the potential for cooperation, properly address each other's important concerns, and jointly maintain the stability and smooth flow of the global industrial chain supply chain.