In his opening speech at the Shanghai International Studies University, where he addressed the participants by video link, State Secretary Raščan emphasised the importance of relations between the European Union and China. China has become the European Union’s largest trading partner.

He said that such cooperation was important in delivering on sustainable development commitments — the 2030 Agenda, and in the fight against climate change. State Secretary Raščan went on to underline the important role of China in addressing regional challenges such as the situation in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Africa, North Korea and the Middle East.

In his speech, he confirmed the European Union’s multifaceted approach towards China, according to which the latter is simultaneously the EU's partner, an economic competitor and a systemic competitor. He also presented a new EU Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at ensuring rules-based international regulation, fair conditions for trade and investment, reciprocity and building resilience.