The Chinese Foreign Ministry commented on Xi Jinping's refusal to go to Brussels

The Chinese Foreign Ministry commented on Xi Jinping's refusal to go to Brussels for the summit in honor of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ties between China and The European Union. The corresponding statement was made by the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, RIA Novosti reports.

"The Chinese side is ready, together with Europe, to make efforts to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of both sides, hold a series of events dedicated to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, strengthen high-level contacts and dialogue, and contribute to the stable and long—term development of relations between China and the EU," the diplomat said.

She recalled that at the beginning of this year, the Chinese president had a telephone conversation with the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, "laying the foundation and outlining the direction of development of Sino-European relations this year."

Earlier, the British Financial Times, citing sources, reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping declined an invitation to attend a summit in Brussels in honor of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ties between China and The European Union.