He said China has been closely following the recent moves made by the EU in the areas of 5G, examination of foreign investment, government procurement and competition policies, and he hopes the EU will maintain the openness of its trade and investment markets and create an open, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment to ensure the legitimate interests of Chinese firms.

Xi underlined the importance of enhanced bilateral cooperation on the research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and making them global public goods that are beneficial and available for all, especially people in developing countries.

He also stressed that the issues involving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region are in essence matters regarding the defense of China's national sovereignty, security and unity and the protection of rights for the people to live safe and happy lives.

Beijing will resolutely oppose any individual or forces trying to instigate instability, division or chaos in the country, and firmly object to the intervention in China's internal affairs by any country, he added. As for human rights, China will not accept lectures from other countries and will object to the practice of double standards, he said.