China ready to work with EU to expand ties, invites leaders to Beijing

As China and the EU celebrate the 50th anniversary of joint relations, Beijing has said it would welcome a visit by the bloc's leaders to hold talks amid global trade uncertainty fueled by sweeping U.S. tariffs.

President Xi Jinping said China was ready to work with European Union leaders to expand mutual openness and properly handle frictions and differences, the official news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

"Healthy, stable China-EU ties not only promote mutual achievements, but also illuminate the world," Xi was quoted as saying. 

The Chinese President also called on the EU to jointly safeguard fairness and justice, and oppose unilateral bullying, describing their relations as one of the world's most influential, Xinhua added.

In an earlier news conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China would welcome visits by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at an appropriate time.

Lin said China and the EU will hold high-level dialogues on strategy, economy and trade, green development and digitalization among a series of events this year.

The ministry also confirmed that China and the European Parliament had decided to free up mutual exchanges.

Last week, the EU said China would lift sanctions on members of the European Parliament and its subcommittee on human rights. 

"Under the current circumstances, both sides believe it is very important for China and Europe to strengthen dialogue and cooperation," Lin, the ministry spokesperson, told reporters.

He expressed confidence that renewed talks would "inject new impetus" in the development of China-EU relations.