Right time for EU to link its investment plan with initiative

Last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel concluded her 11th visit to China since 2005, more than the number of times she has visited the United States. Her frequent visits to China reflect the closeness of Sino-German relations and her efforts to deepen this valuable relationship.

Like Merkel, the leaders of many European countries also want to deepen their ties with China. In fact, from January to May, European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen visited China, in order to strengthen bilateral ties.

Given the uncertainties and widespread mistrust in the world, mainly because of the unstable policies of the US, the dialogue between European Union member states and China, and the exchange of visits by their top leaders are extremely significant. The leaders' statements, media reports and communiqu��s show their meetings have been, by and large, constructive and encouraging. For example, all the European leaders have supported the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and agreed to work with China to promote globalization, free trade and multilateralism.