China frames message of partnership for EU members to take to Brussels

Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges European counterparts to champion Beijing’s cause and support “genuine strategic autonomy”

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, in Hangzhou on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 5:00pm, 16 Oct 2025Updated: 9:30pm, 16 Oct 2025

China has urged the EU to frame bilateral relations as a partnership – defined by cooperation, not confrontation.

The call from Foreign Minister Wang Yi comes as China urges major European powers to support the bloc’s pursuit of “strategic autonomy” on ties with Beijing, despite deep mistrust over trade imbalances and geopolitical differences.

China and Europe had no geopolitical conflict or fundamental clash of core interests, Wang told Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, as the pair met in Hangzhou on Wednesday.

The proper positioning of the two sides should be as partners, Wang said, adding: “China hopes that France will encourage the European Union to uphold genuine strategic autonomy and adopt a correct perception of China.”

Wang’s meetings with a string of European officials this week take place against the backdrop of continued mistrust – fuelled by Russia’s war in Ukraine, with many European leaders wary of Beijing’s strategic ties with Moscow, a trade deficit of over €300 billion (US$349 billion), and persistent trade frictions that have resulted in both sides imposing high tariffs.

Wang Yi and Emmanuel Bonne hold talks in Hangzhou on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

Wang also met Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno in Hangzhou on Wednesday and is due to hold talks there later this week with Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s foreign affairs minister.

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