Xi's remarks during an online summit on Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, carried by the official Xinhua News Agency, came after Biden visited European nations and agreed to increase cooperation with them.

"We hope the European side can play a more positive role in global affairs, genuinely demonstrate strategic independence, and jointly safeguard world peace, stability, development and prosperity," Xi was quoted as saying.

Macron and Merkel, meanwhile, reportedly expressed grave concern over the human rights situation in China, in line with criticisms from many democratic countries about Beijing's alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the crackdown on Hong Kong.

Read also: Biden urges China to act responsibly on human rights

But Xi told the two leaders that China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests, according to the Xinhua report, indicating the Chinese government will not tolerate other nations interfering in what it perceives to be its internal affairs.

Xi was also quoted as telling Macron and Merkel that the world more than ever needs mutual respect and close collaboration, rather than suspicion, antagonism or zero-sum games, as Biden is seen to be trying to contain China on the global stage.

China and Europe have engaged in cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences, Xi added, voicing eagerness to convene a summit between the two sides soon.

Xi, Macron and Merkel, who also held online talks in April, confirmed they will work together to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and climate change.

Read also: Xi Jinping to attend online Biden climate summit

Popular

Bogor declares health emergency after mass food poisoning linked to free meal program

Universe dying quicker than thought, new research says

BYD car catches fire after three days parked at home in West Jakarta