China and the European Union share a strong, interdependent economic bond, and Beijing hopes the bloc will prove to be "a reliable partner for cooperation," President Xi Jinping conveyed to European Council President Antonio Costa during a phone call on Tuesday.

Xi emphasized that mutual respect, equality, and genuine dialogue between China and Europe can foster deeper collaboration and enable both sides to achieve significant progress. His remarks, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, come as China braces for impending U.S. tariff increases under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20.

Amid a complex and increasingly challenging international landscape, Xi underscored the importance of strengthening strategic communication and building mutual trust between China and the EU. He highlighted that their economic and trade ties are complementary and mutually advantageous, calling for innovative approaches to expand cooperation further.

However, tensions remain between China and the EU over European tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Concurrently, U.S.-China relations are strained, with both nations imposing retaliatory measures to restrict exports of technology and critical materials.

Earlier this week, the Biden Administration announced plans to tighten restrictions on exporting artificial intelligence chips and related technologies, maintaining blocks on exports to nations including China. In response, China's commerce ministry and its semiconductor industry association criticized the U.S. measures. On Tuesday, the association urged the global tech community to oppose what it called the Biden Administration's "technological hegemony."