Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed during meetings with European counterparts that Beijing and the European Union should properly manage their differences, deepen practical cooperation and work together to address global challenges.

According to Xinhua reporting, the statements were made on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where Wang held talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot.

During the meetings, Wang Yi stressed that China's development represents an opportunity for Europe and that the challenges facing the continent do not stem from Beijing's actions. He said that China and the EU are "partners, not rivals."

"Interdependence is not a danger, and open cooperation does not harm security," the Chinese top diplomat was quoted as saying, calling for strengthening dialogue and maintaining stable relations between the two sides in an increasingly complex global context.