TL;DR
Wang Yi strongly advocates for Europe to view China as a necessary partner rather than a systemic rival or risk.
Key Points
He declared that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026.
He argued that the "de-risking" approach should not target specific countries or violate WTO rules as of April 2024.
He urged France to support China’s legitimate position against Japanese attempts to exploit the Taiwan question in December 2025.
Summary
Wang Yi asserts that China and the European Union are fundamentally comprehensive strategic partners, emphasizing that cooperation is the defining characteristic of their relationship, with common interests vastly outweighing differences. He maintained this position, for instance, while meeting the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Beijing on April 1, 2024, stating that facts prove China is an opportunity and a partner, not a risk or a competitor. He specifically argued against the EU's "de-risking" approach if it targets specific nations or violates WTO rules, suggesting that decoupling from China is the actual risk for Europe.
This perspective was also forcefully articulated at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026, where he directly countered the narrative of China as a "systemic rival," citing over half a century of engagement and substantial trade volume as evidence against such a label. He appealed for adherence to the principle of pursuing harmonious coexistence while recognizing differences, citing Confucian thought to suggest that differences in systems and values should not form a basis for confrontation. This approach calls for joint action with Europe on multilateralism and resisting bloc confrontation amid international turbulence.
Key Quotes
China is an opportunity rather than a risk for Europe, and a partner rather than a competitor
Major countries must not be allowed to attack others at will with their military might, nor should the world revert to the law of the jungle
Frequently Asked Questions
Wang Yi consistently frames China and the EU as comprehensive strategic partners who should prioritize cooperation over competition. He maintains that the common interests between the two entities far outweigh any differences or disagreements they might hold. He urges Europe to see China as an opportunity and a partner, not a risk or a rival.
When addressing the EU’s 'de-risking' approach, Wang Yi stated that it should not target specific nations nor should it violate World Trade Organization rules. He further suggested that those who advocate for decoupling from China are actually embracing the greater risk. His position is that openness yields progress, while closing doors leads to being left behind.
Yes, Wang Yi strongly rejected the narrative that China is a 'systemic rival' to Europe, particularly during his address at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026. He countered this by citing the long history of engagement and massive trade volume as proof that partnership is the reality. He advocates for pursuing harmony despite differing social systems and values.
Sources5
Wang Yi: China and Europe Should Both Act in Accordance with the Principle of Pursuing Harmonious Coexistence while Recognizing Differences
China in Europe: February 2026
Wang Yi Meets with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot
Wang Yi: For Europe, China is an Opportunity, Not a Risk, and a Partner, Not a Competitor
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.