European Parliament Delegation Visits China to Strengthen Ties and Address Shared Challenges247

A delegation of the European Parliament (EP) led by its President, Roberta Metsola, embarked on a six-day visit to China from November 25 to December 1, 2023, marking a significant milestone in EU-China relations. This high-level delegation aimed to enhance dialogue, build understanding, and promote cooperation on various issues of mutual concern.

During their visit, the EP delegation met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and other senior Chinese officials. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including climate change, trade, human rights, and the promotion of peace and stability. The delegation also held talks with representatives from civil society organizations and think tanks in China, seeking diverse perspectives on various issues.

On the issue of climate change, both the EU and China reaffirmed their commitment to combating this global challenge and cooperating in the transition to clean energy. They acknowledged the urgency of addressing climate change and emphasized the need for further collaboration in areas such as renewable energy research, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable development.

Trade relations were another key topic of discussion. The EU and China are each other's largest trading partners, and the delegation expressed its support for strengthening economic ties based on the principles of fairness, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. They discussed ongoing trade disputes and market access issues, seeking to find common ground and promote a mutually beneficial trading relationship.

The delegation also raised concerns about human rights in China, particularly the situation in Xinjiang Province and the crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. The EP has consistently called for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the delegation stressed the importance of upholding these values in China. Chinese officials responded by presenting their perspective on these issues and defending their policies.

In addition to these pressing issues, the delegation also discussed other areas of cooperation, including education, culture, tourism, and scientific research. They emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges between Europe and China.

Overall, the EP delegation's visit to China was a significant step in strengthening EU-China ties. It provided a valuable platform for open and constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues, allowing both sides to exchange views, address concerns, and explore opportunities for cooperation. The visit is expected to have a positive impact on future EU-China relations, contributing to a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable partnership.

2025-02-07

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