China, Italy FMs exchange hopes, views via videoconference

China hopes the European Union will remain vigilant to moves by certain countries to instigate ideological confrontation to serve their own interests, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Wang made the remarks at a videoconference with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday.

China and the EU should respect each other’s social system, Wang said, adding that the two sides are not systemic rivals, their consensus exceeds differences and cooperation outweighs competition.

He said China hopes the EU could adopt an objective and fair attitude towards China.

Under the current situation, Wang called on the two sides to stand together to deal with global challenges and advance the multi-polarization process to inject more stability and positive energy into the international system with the United Nations at its core.

In terms of bilateral cooperation, Wang called on China and Italy to make good use of the "fast-track lane" to provide the necessary guarantee for the resumption of production of major projects.

China appreciates Italy’s support and participation in joint construction of the Belt and Road, Wang said, adding that it stands ready to discuss policy synergy with Italy, unlock cooperation potential in the fields of digitization, information communication, infrastructure, port construction and third-party markets.

China is willing to work with the rest of the world, including Italy, to jointly build the Silk Road of Health, a global community of health for all, he said.

Di Maio said his country appreciated the medical supplies and experts China sent to Italy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, hailing China's efforts to support world development in the future.

Italy would like to closely communicate with China and promote bilateral cooperation in various fields to achieve more results, he said.

Italy attaches great importance to EU-China relations, and is willing to act as a bridge in deepening EU-China strategic cooperation and strengthening their coordination in international affairs, he said.