Policy paper reaffirms Beijing and Brussels can, should stand together

As major participants in, and contributors to, world multi-polarity and economic globalization, China and the European Union share extensive common interests in strengthening their partnership, upholding the global trade system and promoting sustainable development.

Although their political systems and cultures differ, China and the EU have learned to bridge their differences through dialogue and negotiations, and developing sound relations has long been a shared foreign policy priority.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the 20th anniversary of the China-EU Summit, and China issued a policy paper on the EU on Tuesday, the third since 2003. It underscores how important Beijing regards cooperation with the bloc.