File photo: Xinhua

BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday China and the European Union (EU) should adhere to peaceful coexistence, openness and cooperation, multilateralism, as well as dialogue and consultation for the sound and stable development of their relations.

Xi made the remarks when co-hosting a China-Germany-EU leaders' meeting in Beijing via video link with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating changes unseen in a century, and mankind is standing at a new crossroad, Xi called on China and the EU to unswervingly promote the sound and stable development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.