European Council's President Charles Michel (Photo: Olivier Mathys/AFP)

Speaking to reporters after the summit, the European Council's President Charles Michel said the EU will work closely with China to tackle global challenges and encourages China to take more ambitious action on climate change and biodiversity, health, and pandemic preparedness, food security, disaster reduction, debt relief, and humanitarian assistance.

He said the EU and China continue to be important trade and economic partners despite having different political and economic systems. The EU will seek to ensure a level playing field to promote a balance, mutually beneficial trade and economic relationship.