Editor's Note: Ambassador Fu Cong, head of the Chinese mission to the European Union, recently gave an exclusive interview to Thepaper.cn. He talked about the EU's pursuit of "strategic autonomy", China-EU communication on the Ukraine issue and China's position on it. The following are excerpts of his replies to relevant questions:

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Only by maintaining its independence can the European Union achieve its stability, maintain long-term development, win more respect and more friends, and contribute to world peace and prosperity.

China-EU relations are of global influence and significance and deserve the efforts of both sides to maintain and develop them well. China has always viewed its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective. It hopes that the EU will develop a more independent and objective view of China, pursue a pragmatic and positive policy toward China, and work with China to ensure the steady and long-term growth of China-EU relations.

Indeed, the Ukraine crisis is the issue that is of most concern to European countries at present, and it is also the background for some Europeans to look at other issues. Many people in Europe view China-EU relations through the prism of the Ukraine issue.

However, the China-EU relations are multifaceted rather than single-faceted. They are not targeted at, dependent on or beholden to any third party. China-EU relations should not be tied to the Ukraine issue. China is neither the creator of nor a party to the crisis in Ukraine. China is also a victim of the crisis.

It is imperative to stop the conflict and save lives. It is worth noting that there are forces and people who are now advocating the complete defeat of Russia, seemingly willing to shed the last drop of Ukrainian blood to this end. They have rejected all initiatives to support peace talks. The word "peace talks" is probably not in their vocabulary.

Despite this, China will continue to play a constructive role in efforts to secure a cease-fire, de-escalation of the crisis and the restoration of peace.

The EU should also understand correctly the "limitless cooperation" between China and Russia. China has always been committed to developing friendly and cooperative relations with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China-Russia cooperation is "limitless", and so is the cooperation between China and Europe.

China maintains long-term stability in its policy toward Europe, regards Europe as a strategic partner, a major market and a major civilization. The EU should not develop its relations with the US at the expense of its relations with China.