Tusk Calls EU-Chinese Ability to Discuss Differences ‘Strength’ of Ties

European Council President Donald Tusk said that the European Union and China are able to discuss differences of opinion openly and this ability is part of the strength of bilateral relationship.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday that the ability of the European Union and China to discuss the differences of opinion was "strength" of their relationship.

Earlier in the day, the 18th EU-China Summit kicked off in the Chinese capital of Beijing. Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker head the delegation of the 28-nation bloc.

"As in every mature partnership we may sometimes have differences of opinion. And being able to discuss these differences openly is part of the strength of our relationship," Tusk said at the summit, as quoted by the European Council's press service.

He added that the view on the freedom of the press and of expression was among such issues.

Beijing and Brussels have a history of strategic partnership, as well as of holding joint summits. The first EU-China Summit was held in 1998 in London. Since then it has been held alternately in Brussels and Beijing annually.