China-Europe urged to strengthen ties

A spokesman for China's top legislature has called upon China and Europe to bolster trade and two-way investment and join hands to tackle global challenges and push for political settlement of international and regional hot spot issues.

Wang Chao, the spokesman for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, told a news conference on Saturday that there are no fundamental strategic disagreements or conflicts between China and the Europe.

"What the two sides share are broad common interests and cooperation basis built up over many years," he said.

The spokesman rejected claims by some EU politicians that China and the EU are "systemic rivals" and their acts to play up the so-called "China challenge" or "China threat".

"Fundamentally speaking, such rhetoric is driven by the Cold War mentality and ideological biases. It is intended to serve their selfish interests," he said.

He added that such a characterization is not in the fundamental and long-term interests of either China or Europe. "It also goes against the common aspirations of the international community and the trend of history."

China always sees Europe a comprehensive strategic partner, and Beijing supports the strategic autonomy of Brussels, the bloc's unity and prosperity and its constructive role in international affairs, he said.