Wang Yi stresses China and Europe are partners and not adversaries in Munich

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held talks with his German and French counterparts on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, stressing that China and Europe are partners and not adversaries.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a trilateral meeting in the capital of Germany's Bavarian state.

During the talks, Wang emphasised the three parties bear the responsibility of maintaining global peace and boosting development as major countries and economies.

Wang highlighted the past five decades of diplomatic relations between China and Europe prove that the two are partners instead of adversaries, stressing mutual reliance does not lead to risk and that free and open cooperation will not result in security concerns.

Wang noted that China's development provides Europe with opportunities, adding that threats to Europe do not originate from China.

Wang further hopes the two European Union states could implement reasonable and pragmatic China-oriented policies and respect the core interests of all sides.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France welcomes the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and looks forward to China's initiatives that foster multilateralism and free trade.

Germany's Wadephul, meanwhile, said Berlin views Beijing's role in global affairs with high regard and is willing to strengthen communication with China.

He added that Germany firmly adheres to the One-China policy and continues to pursue a long-term, stable relationship with China.