Chinese Premier Calls for Stronger China-EU Cooperation on 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged the European Union (EU) to take concrete actions to strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation during his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, a milestone Li said reflects decades of sustained growth despite global challenges.
Premier Li highlighted the outcomes of the 25th China-EU Summit, co-chaired by him, von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa, noting strategic guidance and important consensus achieved to further develop relations. He stressed that both sides should enhance mutual trust, respect commitments, and work to identify broad areas of cooperation to benefit their peoples.
Li emphasized China’s hope that the EU will keep trade and investment markets open, adhere to fair competition and WTO rules, and avoid politicizing economic and trade matters. He called on China and the EU, as two major global powers, to safeguard strategic autonomy, fairness, and justice, and contribute positively to global stability amid increasing uncertainties.
Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to dialogue and consultation to resolve differences, enhance mutual trust, and pursue cooperation in trade, investment, environmental protection, and development aid. She also expressed appreciation for China’s role in addressing climate change and signaled willingness to deepen collaboration on green transitions to promote global sustainable development.