**ISTANBUL**
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that Beijing supports Europe in maintaining its "strategic autonomy," according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.
Beijing regards Europe as "an important pillar in a multipolar world and supports Europe in maintaining strategic autonomy,” Wang said during the second China-Portugal Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in Beijing.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel co-hosted the talk.
The comments from Beijing come amid a tariff war initiated by the Trump administration against the US’ rivals as well as allies, including the EU. Washington is also asking the EU to shoulder more defense costs for cross-Atlantic security.
Beijing is "ready" to work with the EU to "uphold a partnership-based approach, expand opening and cooperation, and advance the healthy development of China-EU relations," said Wang.
Cooperation is the "correct choice for all countries and the world cannot regress to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak,” said Wang.
Rangel said that Europe and China should stick to the stance of “partners,” enhance cooperation and “support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs.”
Strengthening ties in several areas such as investments, research and development, alongside areas of concern such as the Ukraine-Russia war were also discussed.
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