Premier Li Keqiang held talks with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at the Great Hall of the People on July 13.

Positive comments were made on the development of the China-EU relationship. They called for enhanced mutual understanding through strengthening communication and negotiation, and proper settlement of conflicts and disputes through dialogue to promote a sustained, healthy and stable development of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Europe.

Both sides exchanged views on European integration, China-EU trade relations, EU’s fulfillment of its obligations under Article 15 of the protocol on China’s accession to WTO as well as other international and regional issues of common concern.

Premier Li said that China will, as always, firmly support European integration, and is glad to see a prosperous and stable EU. He said that EU can achieve new development through reform, which is also consistent with the mutual interests of China and EU.

China is willing to join hands with EU to make persistent efforts to maintain world peace and stability and promote common development and prosperity, the Premier said.

Premier Li noted that currently, the world economy and the growth of global trade are sluggish, large commodity prices are declining, and global demand is weak. Overcapacity is also a global issue, which requires efforts from all related parties.

As the world’s largest cargo trading nation and a major importer of raw materials, China will continue to cut outdated production capacity to promote economic transformation and upgrading. Domestic demand will be expanded in the process of promoting new industrialization and urbanization, the Premier said.

China is willing to set up a special mechanism with EU to discuss the issue of steel trade. It also hopes that EU will observe the rules and agreements made by both sides, honor its commitments, and fulfill its obligations as scheduled, the Premier said.

The EU leaders said that the EU-China relationship is showing global, strategic and mature features. EU values its strategic communication and pragmatic cooperation with China.

They noted that overcapacity in the steel industry is a global issue, and that Europe had a similar experience in its history. Europe appreciates China’s measures for cutting overcapacity, and is willing to work with China to seek solutions in a friendly and constructive manner.

EU will honor its commitments and discuss its fulfillment of obligations under Article 15 of the protocol on China’s accession to WTO as scheduled, the EU leaders said.