Xi calls for closer EU ties in push against 'systemic rival' label

Chinese leader urges 'opening-up' and 'multilateralism' in online summit

20200914N Xi EU summit

China's President Xi Jinping takes part in a virtual summit on Sept. 14 with European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. © Reuters

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

SHANGHAI -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for closer cooperation with his counterparts in the European Union amid growing distrust of Beijing in the bloc.

In an online meeting with the European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xi said China and the EU should join hands in beating the COVID-19 pandemic and lead the world economy to recovery.

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