Wang Yi Speaks with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles on the Phone

On February 25, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles.

Wang Yi said, China has always taken a positive attitude in advancing China-EU relations. China-EU cooperation is the mainstream, and competition and confrontation are undesirable. The two sides should strengthen communication, enhance trust and dispel misgivings, make joint preparations for this year's China-EU leaders' meeting, and promote steady and sustainable development of China-EU relations.

Wang Yi said, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country should be respected. Lithuania openly created the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan", which has strained relations between the two countries. The Taiwan-related issue concerning Lithuania is not an issue between China and the EU, but a bilateral issue between China and Lithuania; it is not an economic and trade issue but a political issue. China always keeps the door open for dialogue with Lithuania. As long as Lithuania takes actions to correct its mistakes, does not undermine the one-China principle in the international community and abandons the practice of creating the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan", the issue between China and Lithuania will be solved instantly and bilateral relations will return to normal. The EU side should prevent the issues between China and Lithuania from magnifying and getting more complicated, and avoid being taken China-EU relations hostage with the conflicts between China and Lithuania. The EU side should urge Lithuania to return to the right track of adhering to the one-China principle as soon as possible.

Borrell said, it is important for the EU and China to strengthen exchanges and enhance mutual trust. The EU is ready to make joint efforts with China to prepare for the EU-China leaders' meeting this year. Both sides should be committed to resolving difficulties through dialogue and managing differences in a responsible manner. The one-China principle is the common policy of the EU and serves as the cornerstone of the EU's policy on China. The EU will work hard to ensure this right direction.

The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine issue.