China and European countries have gone through many critical moments together and should keep communicating and cooperating in the future, said senior officials from both sides during an online dialogue.

History and the current reality have proved that the good relationship between China and the European Union is in the fundamental interests of the two sides and is also conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, said Liu Qibao, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on Thursday.

"China and the EU are strategic partners and should be open and honest to each other, express frankness, and build mutual trust," he said.

Liu made the remarks in Beijing at the opening session of the online China-EU Track Two High-Level Dialogue. It was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and think tank the European Policy Centre. Dozens of high-level representatives from China and the EU held group discussions on various topics on the first day of the two-day event.

Key topics included China-EU relations in the pandemic era, cooperation on climate change, economic and trade relations under the EU-China investment agreement, as well as digital economy cooperation.

Common responsibilities

Liu said China and the EU, as important forces in maintaining world peace and stability, have special common responsibilities and broad common interests.

"It is hoped that the EU will adhere to a dialogue policy, deal with differences rationally, and promote the sustained and healthy development of China-EU relations," Liu said.

He said he hopes that Europe will recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan question and will play an active and constructive role in maintaining the political foundation of China-EU relations.

Regarding issues related to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Liu said he hopes the European side will stick to the truth and reject lies and false information.

Though relations have encountered setbacks, Liu said China is still "willing to work with Europe to contribute to a more sustainable and safer world", and that the future of the relationship is "bright".

Herman Van Rompuy, former president of the European Council and former prime minister of Belgium, said in his speech that dialogue and engagement have been established between Europe and China, which will help build a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Van Rompuy said that China and the EU have enjoyed increased trade despite the hit to the global economy from the pandemic. This shows the resilience and sustainability of China-EU trade, and also the depth and breadth of cooperation.