China advise EU to prioritize long-term interests: Wang Yi

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the European Union to take into account its overall and long-term interests and negotiate with China in finding solutions to address each other's concerns on economic and trade issues.

"The ups and downs in China-EU economic and trade relations are not in the interests of either party," Wang said during a meeting with Laurent Fabius, president of the Constitutional Council of France, in Beijing on Monday.

He reiterated China's firm commitment to supporting free trade and upholding the world trade system.

Both China and France adhere to independence and autonomy, which is in alignment with the global trend toward multipolarity, world peace and stability, he said.

In response, Fabius said upholding independence and friendship with China is a tradition of French diplomacy.

The former French prime minister highlighted the importance of maintaining bilateral friendship in a turbulent and complex world, saying the stability of France-China relations stands in stark contrast to the uncertainties in the world.

France has always opposed coercion and advocated seeking proper solutions through dialogue and negotiation, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and responding to the climate change.