BEIJING, May 6, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - China said on Tuesday it would welcome EU chiefs Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen for visits as part of events marking 50 years of ties between Beijing and the bloc.

"China welcomes European Council President Costa and European Commission President von der Leyen to come to China for a new round of China-EU meetings," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

"The two sides will also conduct high-level dialogues in areas such as strategy, economy and trade, green development," he said.

Lin did not say when the EU chiefs would visit.

"China looks forward to working together with the EU to... strengthen dialogue and cooperation, properly handle differences and divergences, (and) promote the continued development of China-EU relations," he said.

The comments came after China lifted sanctions against five European Union parliament members that were imposed in a showdown over the treatment of the Uyghur minority group.

Beijing hailed its ties with the European Union last week as adding "precious stability" to the global economy.

China is seeking closer relations with the bloc as its trade war with Washington persists, presenting itself as a reliable partner in contrast with the mercurial administration of US President Donald Trump.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also exchanged congratulatory messages with Costa and von der Leyen on Tuesday to mark 50 years of formal relations with the EU, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Xi said he was willing to work with the EU leaders to "deepen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust... properly handle frictions and differences, and open up an even brighter future for China-EU relations", CCTV reported.

"China and the EU should uphold multilateralism, safeguard fairness and justice, oppose unilateral bullying, (and) work together to address global challenges," Xi told the two leaders.