China and the European Union are more partners than competitors, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said today, as the two sides held their first formal talks since ties soured over accusations that Beijing has spread disinformation about the coronavirus.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel - the EU's chief executive and chairman - held a video conference with Mr Li, to be followed by another with President Xi Jinping.
Mr Li expressed optimism, according to Chinese state media. The European Union, which has called Beijing a systemic rival, has been negotiating an investment agreement with China since 2014, with both sides expressing a desire last year to conclude talks in 2020.