Commentary: Xi's ongoing first overseas visit in 2019 highlights importance of China-Europe ties

The ongoing three-nation visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, his first overseas visit in 2019, is poised to bring CHINA-Europe relations to a new height.

CHINA's respective relationships with Italy, Monaco and France have withstood the tests of vicissitudes of international situations, have stood out as examples of friendly cooperation between countries of different systems, and are characterized by strategic, stable and long-term significance.

The visit is a journey to consolidate friendship, deepen cooperation and engage in strategic communication.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between CHINA and France. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of CHINA-Italy diplomatic relations. The visit to Monaco is the first visit by a Chinese president to the country, demonstrating CHINA's long-standing view that all countries are equal regardless of their size.

Xi's ongoing trip will provide fresh impetus for CHINA-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, inject stability into today's fast-changing world and contribute positive energy to safeguarding multilateralism.

The current visit came more than three months after Xi visited Spain and Portugal. These visits show that CHINA's policy toward Europe is stable and consistent.

At the annual "two sessions" earlier this month, CHINA vowed to open wider and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the rest of the world. Xi's ongoing visit is regarded as a key step in promoting major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

CHINA and the EU shoulder the important tasks of promoting sustainable global economic growth and safeguarding world peace and development. As CHINA-EU relations continue to blossom, the world stands to benefit.