This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
On July 5, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing, emphasizing the need for China and Europe to work together to address global challenges.
Xi Jinping noted the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and uncertain economic recovery, stating that the world needs mutual respect and close collaboration rather than suspicion and antagonism.
He urged the two sides to uphold correct mutual cognition, citing the Communist Party of China's development path as an example of a model that has won universal support from the Chinese people.
China and Europe have engaged in cooperation based on mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences, Xi said, adding that the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership is where the greatest common denominators converge.
Xi called for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results, including convening the 23rd China-EU leaders' meeting and advancing mutual recognition and protection of products listed in the China-EU agreement on geographical indicators.
He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the real multilateralism, upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, and addressing global issues through consultations of all parties.
Xi Jinping expressed hope that Europe could increase its support and assistance to Africa, provide more vaccines to African countries in urgent need, and help Africa cope with debt pressure and realize economic recovery and green and low-carbon development at an early date.
