MADRID — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Dec 16 that China is against technology blockade and digital hegemony.

Speaking at the 14th Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Madrid, Wang said that the new round of scientific and technological revolution should give new impetus to common development and provide new opportunities shared by all countries.

"We must tap into the growth potential through innovation and cooperation," he said.

Noting that cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and biotechnology are vital for global economic development, the Chinese foreign minister said that China is against technology blockade and digital hegemony.

China is also against creating technological divide, Wang said.

All countries are obliged to provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign companies that invest, operate and have cooperation on their soil, he added.

Top diplomats from dozens of Asian and European countries gathered in Madrid on Dec 16, trying to decide how to strengthen "effective multilateralism" amid mounting global challenges.

The ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting, under the theme of "Asia and Europe: together for effective multilateralism," was hosted by Spain and chaired by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.