23 June

European Union leaders have asked China to limit subsidies to state-run companies and further open its markets.

The request was made during an online conference on Monday, attended by European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

They agreed on the need to work more closely to respond to the novel coronavirus and rebuild the global economy.

After the meeting, von der Leyen told reporters that in order to develop ties, relations with China must become more rules-based and reciprocal.

The European Union has voiced concerns about state-subsidized Chinese companies coming into the bloc and distorting the markets. It has also said Beijing is not allowing full access to its markets.

China's state-run television reports Li as saying that there was more cooperation than competition and more mutual recognition than differences in the meeting.

nhk