Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a bold declaration at the 2026 Munich Security Conference this week, emphasizing that China and Europe are partners, not rivals—and rejecting the label of 'systemic rivals' as a harmful misperception. 🌍✨
Speaking to journalists on February 14, Wang highlighted the $2 billion daily trade volume between the two regions, a figure that now surpasses their entire annual trade before diplomatic relations were established. 'Hundreds of cooperation mechanisms are operating smoothly,' he noted, framing the partnership as a cornerstone of global stability.
Wang, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s Political Bureau, criticized the 'negative mindset' behind framing differences in social systems or values as grounds for rivalry. 'Differences should inspire mutual learning, not confrontation,' he said, urging Europe to join China in upholding multilateralism and opposing unilateralism amid today’s 'volatile international situation.' 💬
His remarks come as young professionals and investors worldwide watch China-Europe ties closely, with trade and climate collaboration seen as key to 2026’s economic outlook. For students and diaspora communities, Wang’s call for 'illuminating the world together' resonates as a push for cross-cultural solidarity.
