France wishes to work with China closely to address global challenges such as climate change and marine biodiversity, said Macron.

Von der Leyen noted that the EU and China enjoy a sound relationship and will mark the 50th anniversary of their relations next year.

Given China's weight in global affairs, it is important that the EU maintains good relations with China, and this will determine whether global challenges such as climate change and the Ukraine crisis can be better addressed, she said.

The EU wishes to work with China in the spirit of mutual respect, seek common ground despite differences, enhance mutual trust, avoid misunderstanding, jointly uphold the international order based on international law, and promote world peace, security and prosperity, she said.

The EU commends China for its efforts and progress made in green transition and development, acknowledges China's legitimate right to develop, and wishes to continue candid dialogue with China and strengthen their cooperation, she added.

On the Ukraine crisis, Xi pointed out that China, France and the EU all wish to see an early ceasefire and return of peace in Europe, and support political settlement of the crisis.

Xi urged the three parties to jointly oppose spillover and escalation of the fighting, create conditions for peace talks, safeguard international energy and food security, and keep industrial and supply chains stable.

China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to it, he said, adding that China has been working vigorously to facilitate talks for peace all along.

Noting that China's objective and just position and its constructive role have been widely recognized by the international community, he said China is ready to stay in communication with relevant parties.

On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Xi stressed that the pressing task is to realize a comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible, that the key priority is to ensure humanitarian assistance, and that the fundamental way out is to implement the two-State solution.

China supports Palestine's full membership in the United Nations, he said.

Noting that China and the EU share many important consensuses on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, Xi said China is ready to work with the EU to support a more broad-based, authoritative and effective international peace conference to be held as quickly as possible to set a timetable and a roadmap for the two-State solution, and to promote comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.

The three leaders are of the view that the trilateral meeting has increased mutual understanding, built consensus for cooperation, and identified ways to address problems. They expressed readiness to keep working together to promote sound and steady growth of China-EU relations.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the meeting.