China Hopes For Fair Environment For Companies: Xi

Beijing will strengthen strategic communication and coordination with the European Union, President Xi Jinping told the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, on Thursday.

In a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Xi told Michel he hoped "EU institutions and member states will establish an objective and correct perception of China", state broadcaster CCTV reported.

"China will remain open to European companies, and hopes the EU can eliminate interference to provide a fair and transparent business environment for Chinese companies," Xi told Michel.

Xi said China and the EU should strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination and complementary advantages, jointly create new growth engines and ensure safety, stability, and reliability of industrial supply chains.

He also mentioned the passing of former President Jiang Zemin, noting that during his tenure as state leader, Jiang attached great importance to the development of Sino-EU relations.

Xi said Jiang visited European countries many times, maintained close contact with its leaders, promoted the establishment of the Sino-EU leaders' meeting mechanism, and promoted dialogue and cooperation between the two sides in various fields.

"We will carry on his legacy and continue to consolidate and develop China-EU relations," Xi said, adding that China will continue to develop its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Michel, who is on a one-day visit to the mainland, will also meet Premier Li Keqiang and Li Zhanshu, the chairman of the standing committee of the National People's Congress.

His visit comes after European leaders expressed concern at a meeting in October about economic reliance on China. (Xinhua/Reuters)

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