BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) - For China-Europe relations to stay steady and sound, it is crucial for Europe to have a correct perception of China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Since last year, relations between China and European countries have been regaining strength, Wang said, adding that two-way trade topped 1 trillion U.S. dollars, and over 2 million European tourists traveled to China under visa-free policies.

European leaders also paid a number of visits to China, and a host of cooperation agreements have been reached, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Facts have shown that China-Europe relations draw stability from shared interests and certainty from mutually beneficial partnerships, he added.

The foreign minister said China consistently believes that Europe is an important force underpinning the stability of the international order, and a key partner in China's modernization drive.

Noting that China and Europe are mutually complementary, he said "interdependence is not a risk; intertwined interests are not threats; and openness and cooperation will not weaken economic security; but building walls and barriers will only lead to self-isolation."