COPENHAGEN, July 3 – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China and Europe are partners, not rivals, and that cooperation should be the fundamental and defining feature of China-Europe relations.
Wang reiterated China’s stance during a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen on the first stop of his week-long visit to four Nordic countries: Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Wang expressed the hope that Denmark will play a constructive role in fostering the sound and steady development of relations between China and Europe, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry following the meeting.
Noting that China-Denmark relations remain sound and stable, Wang said that as China remains Denmark’s largest trading partner in Asia, the two countries have reaped fruitful outcomes in economic and trade cooperation over the years.
China stands ready to further expand trade and investment cooperation with Denmark, he said.
China is willing to launch negotiations with Denmark on an updated green joint work program, and the two sides, led by green cooperation, will deepen collaboration in scientific research and innovation, green shipping, healthcare and other fields, Wang added.
He said the Chinese side hopes that Danish businesses will remain confident in China and continue to invest in the country, and that Denmark will provide an open, fair and predictable business environment for Chinese companies.
Rasmussen said the current Denmark-China relationship is enjoying strong and robust growth momentum, with trade and green development emerging as prominent highlights of cooperation.
Denmark looks forward to sustaining exchanges with China at all levels and continuing open and candid dialogue between the two sides, he added.
Denmark stands ready to explore the formulation of a new updated green joint work program and bolster exchanges and cooperation across trade, economy, culture, healthcare, education and other fields, Rasmussen said.
He added that Danish businesses are fully confident in China’s development prospects and committed to long-term development and in-depth engagement in the Chinese market.
Denmark also commits to playing an active role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between Europe and China, he said.
