Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2026. Photo: Xinhua

We are glad to see European friends stepping out of the "small attic" of protectionism and walking into the "fitness club" of the Chinese market to build their strength and competitiveness, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. He answered questions from journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policy and external relations, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

According to the livestream of the press conference, Wang made the remarks when responding to a question raised by a reporter from Spanish news agency Agencia EFE. The reporter noted that the return of US President Donald Trump has forced Europe to reassess its previously negative stance toward China. In recent months, several European leaders have visited China. The reporter asked what positive steps China believes the European side has taken in improving relations with China, which actions may have been mistaken, and whether China views the successive visits by European leaders as a sign of Europe strengthening its strategic autonomy.

Wang noted that since last year, relations between China and European countries have been regaining strength. Two-way trade topped US$1 trillion, over two million European tourists traveled to China under visa-free policies, and, European leaders paid a number of visits. Interactions are more active. A host of new cooperation agreements have been reached. "Facts have shown that China-Europe relations draw stability from shared interests and certainty from mutually beneficial partnerships," Wang said.

Wang continued that China has a clear stance on developing relations with Europe. We consistently believe that Europe should naturally be a pole in a multipolar world, that Europe is an important force underpinning the stability of the international order, and that Europe is a key partner for China in our modernization. For China-Europe relations to stay steady and sound, it is crucial for Europe to have a correct perception of China. We are witnessing a growing consensus among wise minds in Europe that China is not a "competitor" but an "global partner." This is especially true among young people. They are looking at China in a more objective and positive way, Wang said.

Wang stressed that in trade and economic ties, China and Europe are mutually complementary. A dynamic balance is entirely within reach amid growing ties. As testified by the facts in China-Europe cooperation, interdependence is not a risk; intertwined interests are not threats; and openness and cooperation will not weaken economic security; but building walls and barriers will only lead to self-isolation.

"We are glad to see European friends stepping out of the "small attic" of protectionism and walking into the "fitness club" of the Chinese market to build their strength and competitiveness, Wang said.

Global Times