BRUSSELS — State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said on Dec 16 that differences should not become obstacles in exchanges and cooperation between China and the European Union (EU).

In a speech at the European Policy Center, Wang said that China and the EU do have differences in such areas as social systems, development paths, values and concepts, but such differences should not become obstacles in bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Moreover, the two sides should not treat each other as a threat or even try to interfere with or change the other, Wang said.

He said that as a well-known European saying goes, "all roads lead to Rome," while 2,500 years ago in China, Confucius said that all living things grow in harmony without hurting one another, and all the ways go forward without contradicting each other.

The world is a diverse and colorful place, said Wang, and every country is entitled to choose a development path suited to their own national conditions.

China respects Europe, appreciates Europe's achievements, and never interferes in Europe's internal affairs, he said.

"Likewise, we hope Europe will also respect China and appreciate the choices made by the Chinese people," he added.