BEIJING  —  China hopes the European Union (EU) will jointly promote balanced growth and sustainable development in bilateral trade and maintain the stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the latest developments in China-EU trade ties.

The second meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism has made positive progress recently, which shows that the two sides can properly handle differences through dialogue, Mao said.

China hopes the EU side will honor its commitment to free trade and openness, abide by WTO rules, and avoid introducing protectionist and discriminatory policies and measures, she said.