China hopes Belgium will play bridging role in EU trade talks
China hopes Belgium will play a positive role within the European Union in facilitating economic and trade relations. That was the message from Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during a meeting with his Belgian counterpart Maxime Prévot in Beijing.
Prévot is on an economic and political mission to Hong Kong and China from Monday to Friday. In addition to company visits and cultural stops, the foreign minister held talks with Wang Yi and vice-premier He Lifeng.
Before the meeting began, Wang Yi said China and Belgium share similar interests and attach great importance to bilateralism and international law. He expressed China's desire to cooperate more closely with Belgium and the EU, and indicated that Beijing hopes Belgium can play a constructive role in promoting dialogue between China and the EU to resolve economic and trade differences.
Solution-oriented approach
Prévot described the discussions with both officials as open and frank, with trade relations featuring prominently on the agenda.
"In Europe, we are the victims of Chinese competition that we consider unfair and which jeopardises our competitiveness and prosperity. It must be understood that the EU is not reacting out of hostility, but to defend our economic and industrial interests," he said.
Prévot also argued that it is pointless to take issue with China's economic progress, as it will not be reversed. Instead, he advocates a solution-oriented approach to jointly find a way forward towards economic development that benefits both sides, without sliding into an escalation of disruptive measures. The minister called for action at European level to address the issue.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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