Janurary 11, 2024

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo arrived in Beijing on Thursday to start his two-day visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. As the first leader of a European country that China received in 2024, De Croo's visit is seen as a continuation of the frequent high-level interactions between China and the EU from the previous year and also marks the beginning of a series of new exchanges in the new year, with hopes for expanded cooperation and the resolution of frictions between China and the EU. 

While these frequent exchanges contribute to positive momentum between the two sides, the EU is urged to revise its misconceptions about China amid EU's greater calls for "de-risking" or hyping of divergence. Analysts said that it is essential for the EU to adopt a more proactive approach to its relations with China, and enhance its independence to avoid external influences, particularly from the US, as all this will ultimately contribute to the further stabilization of China-EU relations.

Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Cao Zhongming told the Global Times in an exclusive interview on Thursday that De Croo is the first Belgian prime minister to visit China in eight years and also the first leader from a European country to be welcomed by China in 2024. The Belgian leader's visit reflected the importance both countries attach in boosting bilateral ties and is significant in further promoting the China-Belgium all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation. 

Read more:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202401/1305231.shtml