Qin Gang: China views EU as partner, backs Europe's integration

China sees the European Union as a comprehensive strategic partner and supports European integration, no matter how the situation may evolve, Foreign Minister Qin Gang said on Tuesday.
Interactions between the two sides are an independent choice they have made entirely based on their strategic interests, and bilateral ties are not targeted at, subjugated to or controlled by any third party, Qin said at a press conference.

China hopes that Europe, "with the painful Ukraine crisis in mind", will realize strategic autonomy and long-term peace and stability, the foreign minister said.
It also hopes to work with Europe to overcome disruptions and challenges and keep deepening bilateral ties, Qin said.