As for China-EU relations, Xi stressed that China and Europe are two major forces, big markets, and great civilizations in the world, saying that China-Europe relations bear on the wellbeing of both sides and the stability and prosperity of the world at large.
China will keep its Europe policy stable in the long run, continue to see Europe as an independent force in a multi-polar world, and stay committed to a China-Europe relationship that is not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party, Xi said.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. China is prepared to work with the EU to set the right direction and tone for China-EU ties, fully resume exchanges at all levels and revitalize mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields, thus injecting fresh impetus into China-EU relations and global peace, stability and prosperity.
Xi's words have revived global confidence about China-Europe relations. Referring to Europe-China relations as a crucial "component of the future," Romano Prodi, former president of the European Commission, said that it is important for the two parties to resume their direct exchanges in various areas which have been hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years.
MUTUALLY-BENEFICIAL RELATIONS
Senior executives from a number of renowned French companies including the electric giant EDF, Airbus and Alstom were on Macron's delegation list. They all cherished the hope of further tapping the huge potential of the world's largest consumer market.
"We have already seen potential opportunities in the market, which makes us even more bullish about China's economic outlook and prospect," Fabrice Megarbane, president of L'Oreal North Asia Zone and CEO of L'Oreal China, told Xinhua.
In China, Xi and Macron witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents covering agrifood, science and technology, aviation, civil nuclear energy, sustainable development, and culture, demonstrating the vitality and broad space between China and France in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.
Although the world economy is recovering slowly, China-EU trade and investment cooperation has maintained a robust momentum. In 2022, bilateral trade reached 847.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 2.4 percent year on year.
The EU and China are each other's important trading partners and the two economies are highly intertwined, von der Leyen said, adding that decoupling from China is neither in the EU's interests nor the EU's strategic choice.
Macron noted that in a world full of uncertainties, the EU and China should work with each other to stay away from the trap of economic decoupling and severing supply chains, carry out mutually-beneficial cooperation on an equal footing, tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change, and keep deepening the EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership.
"Europe-China relations are decisive for the future of the world," said Bruno Guigue, a French international affairs expert. "The common future of China and Europe is the development of mutually beneficial cooperation."
ONLY CORRECT SOLUTION TO UKRAINE CRISIS
During the meetings, Xi reaffirmed China's position on the Ukraine crisis, calling on the parties to jointly create conditions for peace talks.
At the meeting with Macron on Friday, Xi noted that the cause of the crisis is complex and a prolonged crisis serves no one's interests. He said a ceasefire as soon as possible would serve the interests of all parties concerned, and a political settlement is the only correct solution.
China will never handle the Ukraine issue out of selfish interests, but always stands for fairness and justice. All relevant parties should shoulder their responsibilities and make joint efforts to create conditions for a political settlement, Xi said.
China's efforts to promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis are winning more approval from European leaders.
During the meetings, von der Leyen and Macron agreed that China did not create the Ukraine crisis, and said that they appreciate China's efforts to promote a political settlement and look forward to China playing a more important role. They also said that they are prepared to work with China to find a way to facilitate talks for peace.
"China advocates peace and talks. It is playing a positive role for ending the crisis," said Herve Juvin, a member of the European Parliament, adding that "China is now playing as a peacemaker."
As a European saying goes, "Those who work alone, add; those who work together, multiply." In this spirit, China is ready to work with the European side to advance exchanges and cooperation, build up trust and narrow differences, and inject certainty and positive energy to a volatile world with the stability and growth of China-Europe relations.