Xi's remarks on China-EU ties applauded

Experts say meeting shows Brussels' growing self-confidence in Asia policy

Chinese and European leaders are determined to uphold multilateralism and international cooperation when unilateralism, protectionism and a global economic slowdown threaten the world, experts said after a leaders' online meeting.

President Xi Jinping held a two-hour video talk with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday.

"I feel that today we had a good, open and honest dialogue which should be continued," Merkel told a news conference after the meeting.