BRUSSELS — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a speech in Brussels on the evening of Dec 16 that China and the EU need to get mutual perceptions right and keep enhancing mutual understanding and trust to ensure the steady progress of China-EU relations.

Speaking at an event hosted by the European Policy Center, a think tank, Wang said China's views of Europe have always been positive and constructive.

"We see Europe as an important cooperation partner and a priority on our diplomatic agenda. We believe that Europe is an important pole in this multi-polar world, and a prosperous and stable Europe is a contributor to the development and progress of humankind," he said.

China has been firm and steadfast in supporting European integration, a united and strong European Union and a bigger role for Europe in international affairs, Wang said.

Over the years, EU countries and the EU as an organization have by and large followed a positive China policy, and worked with China to promote cooperation in all fields, he said.

He noticed that there have also been divergent views about China in Europe, which are mainly reflected in three questions: Is China a developing or developed country? Is China a partner or a rival? And is China a friend for harmonious coexistence or a threat in a zero-sum game?

Failure to address these perception issues may cause unnecessary disruptions to the future development of China-EU relations, Wang said, calling for unbiased and balanced mutual perceptions that would pave the way for stronger and more steady growth of China-EU relations.