MNI BRIEF: China Prefers EU with 'Strategic Independence': FM

China prefers to see the EU gain more "strategic independence" with its bilateral relations not controlled by a third party, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the press on Sunday at the National People's Congress, according to a transcript on the Ministry's website.

Wang was asked to comment on the Biden Administration's policy of embracing its traditional Atlantic alliances. Some had called for joint efforts dealing with a rising China.

Last Friday, the U.S and E.U. jointly said they would address distorted trade practices and challenges posed by non-market economies such as China.

"We are not rivals in systems of governance; we can accomplish big if we co-operate independently," Wang said.

China and the U.S. can cooperate on anti-pandemic measures, economic recovery and climate change amid fair competition, Wang said.