Li: Trade disputes not the big picture

Standalone cases of trade friction between China and the European Union account for "only a small percentage" of the two-way trade, and the problems can be solved, Premier Li Keqiang told a press conference on Thursday after the annual National People’s Congress concluded.

He made the remarks in response to a question about how to remove stumbling blocks for Chinese companies to do business in Europe.

"We do not want to see a situation where we would have to lose our status as the biggest trading partner because of those individual cases, which only account for a very small percentage of the two-way trade," Li said.

China and the EU are negotiating an investment treaty, and Li said he believes the negotiations are being conducted in a fair, reciprocal and facilitating way so as to create favorable conditions for companies on both sides.

"There will be even greater mutual investment and deeper economic integration between China and Europe," Li said.

Talking about the China-EU relationship, the premier said both sides are strong advocates of a multipolar world and greater investment facilitation.

"I believe it is an irresistible trend for China and European companies to enter into each other's markets and make mutual investments," he said.