On May 8, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmes.

Wang Yi said, Belgium is the heart of Europe, and has long been a bridge for China-Europe exchanges. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties. China is ready to take it as an opportunity to jointly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and push forward a steadier and healthier development of China-Belgium relations from a new historical starting point.

Noting that Belgium is mired in the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang Yi said that China is willing to provide necessary support to Belgium according to its needs, and to join hands with Belgium to promote economic recovery. The Chinese market is open to the whole world, and will certainly open wider, offering Belgium more development opportunities. China hopes Belgium will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

Wang Yi briefed on China's position on affairs concerning Xinjiang and Hong Kong, stressing that these are China's internal affairs concerning China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and allow no external interference. As China and Europe have different social systems and historical and cultural backgrounds, the two sides should respect each other, treat each other as equals, and enhance mutual understanding through dialogue, which is what a comprehensive strategic partnership should be. Belgium hosts the headquarters of the European Union (EU), and therefore has a unique advantage. China hopes Belgium will play a constructive role in the EU, and promote the long-term and steady development of China-EU relations, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

Wilmes said, cooperation between Belgium and China has been rich in content, and the two countries have enjoyed mutual respect and mutual trust. Belgium attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to further advance bilateral friendship by celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Belgium is ready to carry out friend-like and high-quality dialogue and communication with China, continuously enhance mutual trust, properly handle differences, promote bilateral cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, agriculture, aviation, climate change and biodiversity conservation, facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries, and further develop Belgium-China as well as Europe-China relations.