Speeches of Vice Premier LIU He and Vice President of the European Commission Jyrki Katainen at the Press Conference of the Seventh China-EU High-level Economic and Trade Dialogue

June 26, 2018 by China-EU relations Leave a Comment

Handshake between Liu He, Chinese Vice Premier and head of the Chinese Delegation, on the right, and Jyrki Katainen. © European Union , 2018 / Source: EC – Audiovisual Service.

This article is brought to you in collaboration with the Chinese Mission to EU Chinese Mission to EU. Dear friends from the press, Good afternoon! Vice President Jyrki Katainen and I co-presided over the 7th China-EU High-level Economic and Trade Dialogue this morning. The two sides had in-depth, pragmatic, efficient and productive discussions. The Dialogue is indeed a success. Observing the theme of “Supporting and promoting globalization, deepening and expanding China-EU cooperation”, the two sides discussed a broad range of topics of mutual interest and reached a succession of outcomes and consensus. The Dialogue makes a good preparation for the economic and trade agenda of the 20th China-EU Summit. The Dialogue was held against a very special backdrop when unilateralism and trade protectionism is on the rise and tensions appear in the economic relations between major countries. Both sides agreed to firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism and prevent such practices from impacting the world economy or even dragging the world economy into recession. The two sides committed to defend the multilateral trading system that is centered on the WTO and based on rules, to promote economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, beneficial to all, balanced, mutually-beneficial and win-win to reform the multilateral trading system and keep it advancing with the times, and to improve the global institutions for economic governance. China believes that all these are in great alignment with the roadmap and timetable of China’s reform and opening-up drive. The two sides affirmed the positive progress achieved in the negotiations on China-EU Investment Agreement and sought to exchange the offer during the 20th China-EU Summit. The two sides agreed to have the 17th round of negotiations on Geographical Indications Agreement, reach a consensus on the conclusion of negotiations and announce the development at the 20th China-EU Summit. The two sides exchanged views on the topic of China’s accession to the Government Procurement Agreement and agreed to work together to accelerate the accession process. The two sides agreed to promote market access for agricultural produce and the reciprocal mutual recognition of the certification of organic products. The EU agreed to accelerate the legislative process and formulate a timetable on recognizing the qualification of Chinese certification authorities. The two sides agreed to continue connecting the Belt and Road Initiative to Europe’s development strategies, promote the positive progress in areas of China-EU Connectivity Platform and China-EU Co-investment Fund, and further the practical cooperation in areas of digital economy, e-commerce, circular economy, and white pollution prevention. The two sides forged a consensus that documents in relation to climate change and the co-investment fund will be signed at the 20th China-EU Summit. The two sides are committed to making the events of China-Europe Tourism Year a great success. The two sides decided to strengthen financial cooperation. The two sides agreed to pay attention to and work to solve the market access issues facing businesses of both sides and voiced their commitment to trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and creating a convenient and enabling environment for businesses. China hopes that the EU will take practical measures to take substantial steps to relax export control against China. The two sides had candid exchanges of views on the Report on China’s Market Environment released by the EU and had in-depth discussions on the issue of excess capacity. The Chinese side believed that the fundamental reason to excess capacity is the contraction of aggregate global demand caused by the international financial crisis, and China adopted voluntary measures to increase domestic demand which contributed to stabilizing the world economic growth. Excess capacity is a global challenge, and China stands ready to work with relevant countries in finding a reasonable solution. We live in an age of great changes, an age in great need of thought and wisdom, as well as solid work and concrete actions. The human being is faced with many common challenges, particularly climate change, deteriorating environment, aging population, cyber-security, terrorism and the double-edged technology revolution. No single country is able to tackle these challenges on its own. Countries of different political systems and cultures shall accommodate, understand, and respect each other, observe the spirit of contract and make collective endeavor to tackle all the known and unknown challenges. Countries shall work together to build a community with shared future for mankind and safeguard the lasting peace of the world. China highly appreciates the professionalism and partnership spirit of Vice President Jyrki Katainen and EU colleagues. Wholeheartedly I hope that China and the EU will stand out as epitome of inclusive, mutual-learning, mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship. Thank you.

Discover more from The European Sting - Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology - europeansting.com

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

© WFP/Arete/Ali Yunes Some residents of Beirut who have been displaced by the conflict are now living on the streets of the Lebanese capital.

‘Perfect storm’: Lebanon crisis deepens as civilians bear the brunt

March 13, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Lebanon is facing a “perfect storm of unpredictable challenges” as conflict, mass displacement and dwindling humanitarian resources converge, the UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned. The current escalation began on 2 March, when outgoing fire by Hezbollah drew a strong retaliation from […]

© WFP/Maxime Le Lijour People living in Gaza have received humanitarian aid from the UN throughout the conflict with Israel.

UN relief chief condemns ‘$1 billion-a-day’ cost of war in Middle East

March 12, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN’s emergency relief chief on Wednesday condemned the “$1 billion-a-day” cost of the war in the Middle East, at a time when humanitarian needs are soaring and aid funding is falling dangerously short. “We’re seeing the consequences spread faster than we can respond”, warned the UN emergency […]

© UNICEF/Azizullah Karimi Afghan returnees from Iran gather at the Islam-Border, near Herat in western Afghanistan (file).

‘Toxic rain’ warning from oil depot strikes amid ongoing Middle East war

March 11, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Toxic “black rain” linked to strikes on oil depots, mass displacement and continuing disruption to aid supply chains are upending lives across the Middle East and beyond after 10 days of war in the region, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, UN Human […]

© UNHCR People gather at the Masnaa border point in Lebanon as they wait to cross into Syria.

Nearly 700,000 displaced in Lebanon as Middle East crisis escalates

March 10, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. On day 10 of the war engulfing the Middle East, UN agencies on Monday reported massive displacement across the region, along with surging food and fuel prices that risk increasing hunger and suffering for the most vulnerable. In Lebanon alone, nearly 700,000 people including around 200,000 children […]

UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz Smoke rises in Beirut, Lebanon, following the outbreak of hostilities across the Middle East.

Lebanon ‘dragged back into turmoil’, UN envoy warns

March 9, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Lebanon has been “dragged back into a state of turmoil and violence”, the UN’s top envoy in the country warned on Saturday, after the latest round of regional strikes triggered a fast‑escalating crisis along the Blue Line. What had been fragile but real momentum, she said, has […]

UNHCR Smoke rises after an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Strikes continue across Middle East as humanitarian concerns grow

March 6, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Highlights Production team: Vibhu Mishra with Daniel Johnson in GenevaToday 12:15 μ.μ. UN rights office warns displacement orders in Lebanon affecting hundreds of thousands The UN human rights office has warned that large-scale displacement orders and ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon are worsening the suffering of civilians already affected […]

© UNICEF/Ramzi Haidar Destroyed buildings and debris in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, following airstrikes.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Further escalation drives uncertainty and suffering

March 6, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. On day six of the war in the Middle East, there’s been no let-up in bombs, drones and rockets targeting Iran, Israel, Lebanon and many Gulf States, while NATO forces reportedly intercepted a missile fired at Türkiye by Iran, a claim denied by Tehran. We’ll bring you […]

MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Conflict continues across region amid US, Israeli and Iranian strikes

March 5, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Violence in the Middle East is continuing into a fifth day, with US and Israeli strikes against Iran and Iranian missile and drone attacks reported across several countries in the region. The escalating confrontation is disrupting airspace, transport and daily life while raising fears of a wider […]

© IAEA/Paolo Contri The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran.

Iran crisis: Schoolgirls killed, thousands displaced and aid compromised

March 4, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. On the fourth day of Israeli and United States airstrikes against Iran and amid growing violence and instability in the Middle East, the UN urgently called for protection of civilians and warned of growing displacement and humanitarian needs. UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani also recalled […]

© Unsplash/Kamran Gholami Tehran, the capital of Iran. (file photo)

MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Strikes continue from US, Israel and Iran as UN urges restraint

March 3, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Violent escalation in the Middle East has entered a third day as coordinated US and Israeli strikes against Iran aimed at regime change continue to cause loss of life and damage across the region, prompting Iranian missile and drone counter-strikes hitting targets in multiple countries. Explosions, airspace […]

Deadly bombing of Iran primary school ‘a grave violation of humanitarian law’: UNESCO

March 2, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN education agency, UNESCO, says that the bombing of a primary school during the US and Israeli military attacks on Iran on Saturday constitutes a grave violation of humanitarian law. The missiles reportedly destroyed a girl’s primary school in Minab, southern Iran, killing around 150 and […]

© UNRCO Iran Tehran, the capital of Iran.

Attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes ‘undermine international peace and security’

March 1, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the heads of UN agencies have condemned Saturday’s joint Israeli and US attacks on Iran and the Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israel and the Gulf Regions. The attack on Iran reportedly targeted military sites as well as the leadership of the Iranian […]

© WFP/Maxime Le Lijour A woman holds a child as a storm approaches Khan Younis in Gaza.

Palestine: UN rights chief highlights suffering, atrocity crimes ‘that remain unpunished

February 27, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday highlighted the “human-made disaster” across the Occupied Palestinian Territory stemming from Israel’s disregard for human rights norms and serious violations also committed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Citing a new report from his office (OHCHR) covering the […]

Ángela Soria Pitarch was born on March 28, 2003. She is currently a fifth-year medical student at the University of Valencia.

Not the Future, the Present: Young Voices Shaping Global Health in 2026

February 26, 2026

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Ángela Soria Pitarch was born on March 28, 2003. She is currently a fifth-year medical student at the University of Valencia. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to […]

© UNOCHA Many rural areas of Ukraine have been blasted by shelling and drone strikes. The country is also one of the most mined in the world, top UN aid officials warn.

Ukraine wakes to more violence as Russia’s invasion enters fifth year

February 25, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops on 24 February 2022 shattered the peaceful aspirations of an entire continent, but war must never be the new normal, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday. “Four years ago, people in Europe woke up in another […]

Fokah Wembe Darrell Dupray is a 4th-year medical student at Université des Montagnes, Bangangté Cameroon and a student leader within the Cameroon Medical Students’ Association (CAMSA).

From Local Barriers to Global Lessons: Practical Paths Toward Inclusive Healthcare

February 23, 2026

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Zainatun Nawwariyah is a fifth-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatera, who is passionate about advancing medicine through research, advocacy, and service. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed […]

© UNICEF/Bullen Chol A grandmother takes care of her 17-month-old malnourished grandson in South Sudan.

World News in Brief: UN humanitarian chief visits South Sudan, shelter fire risks in Gaza, West Bank violence

February 23, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator arrived in South Sudan on Friday to visit one of the most under-reported humanitarian crises in the world, as clashes between government and opposition forces continue in Jonglei state. Tom Fletcher will focus on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the world’s youngest country and escalating protection risks for both civilians and aid workers. […]

Ukraine’s women at breaking point after four years of war as attacks on energy, healthcare continue – UN humanitarians

February 21, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, millions in Ukraine struggle to keep the lights on and heat their homes, with the crisis taking a particular toll on women, humanitarians warned on Friday. Freshly back from a visit to the country UN Women’s Chief of Humanitarian Action Sofia […]

Fears of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank: UN rights report

February 20, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Increased Israeli attacks and the forced transfer of Palestinians have sparked concern over ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said in a report issued on Thursday. The report covers the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 and is […]