On October 13, 2023, Vice President Han Zheng met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles in Beijing.

Han Zheng said that China and the European Union (EU) have no conflicts of fundamental interests or geopolitical contradiction. The two sides have far more consensus than differences and far more cooperation than competition. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two sides have achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, climate change response and other fields, and enjoy huge potential for development. China stands ready to enhance high-level dialogue and exchanges at all levels with the EU, carry out sincere and in-depth communication on issues of mutual interest and concern, further increase mutual understanding and mutual trust, and promote sustained, sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

Josep Borrell Fontelles said that China is a great country and will play an important role. The achievements of China's modernization drive not only benefit the Chinese people but also benefit the whole world. Josep Borrell Fontelles expressed willingness to further strengthen EU-China relations through this visit and ensure the success of the EU-China leaders' meeting at the end of this year.