Why do I say that? Because if it is a bunch of small countries, you know, getting united against a big power, then I understand.But if the strongest nations on Earth would become united, then I would have to think, for what? This is for political reasons. Because you are already strong enough militarily.
FT：I suppose China's image and China's reputation has been damaged in Europe because of the war and because of the friendship that China has with Russia, which has been... Well, certainly, rhetorically unwavering during the war. Now that it looks like we may be moving to a new phase and possibly towards an end game of the war in Ukraine, do you think that China really wants to repair its relations with Europe?
Zhou Bo：Well, I think it would be wrong to conclude that China's image is damaged. Because I believe the West has to think of China's role, not only through its own prism, but you put yourself in the shoes of China.
Put yourself in the shoes of India. Put yourself in the shoes of the countries in the global south.You would find China's position is not a unique position.
Actually, let's talk about another issue, about liberal democracy. Well, if this has something to do with order, what is apparent is not only the world is becoming less western, but also the west itself is becoming less western.
Yes. This is not my conclusion. This is the conclusion of Munich Security Conference. Yeah, this is the theme of one of the conferences.So, we are seeing global democracy declining. And I believe it will continue to decline. Because it has declined for about 15 or 16 years.
FT：So what's China's view on its relationship with Europe?
If we are moving towards a potential endgame in the war in Ukraine, does that present an opportunity for China to improve its relations with Europe?
Zhou Bo：China definitely would like to secure good relationship with Europe.
That means we do not want you to take sides, as always, on American side.
This is a very simple, good wish from China, and Europe has so many things for us - high-tech technology and markets. All these things are needed for China.Then the question lies more with how Europe would look at China.