BEIJING (AP) – Top diplomats from China and the European Union pledged closer cooperation Wednesday at a time of global uncertainty, highlighting their common interests in peace and security and pushing a message of free trade and open engagement in contrast to fears that the U.S. is turning inward under President Donald Trump.
The statements came as China and the EU held their first high-level talks since Trump took office in January. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini co-chaired the Seventh EU-China Strategic Dialogue with State Councilor Yang Jiechi, China’s highest-ranking diplomat.
“At present, the international situation is complex with many new developments, challenges and problems,” Yang told Mogherini at the outset.
“Against this backdrop, for China and the EU to deepen cooperation and coordinate positions not only concerns the common interests of the two sides, but also is of great significance for the development of international political and economic relations,” he added.
Mogherini said China and the European Union had “a big responsibility” during “times of uncertainty.”