China's cooperation with CEE countries is based solely on the comparative advantages and market needs of both sides. China has no intention to use the 16+1 platform as a geopolitical tool to split the EU, he said.

On the contrary, Shi added that 16+1 is conducive to narrowing the internal development gap in Europe, achieving balanced development in Europe and contributing to the acceleration of the continent's integration.

In a world of growing uncertainties, China and Europe see their interests aligned.

Stronger pragmatic and mutual trust and cooperation between China and Germany and between China and Europe could provide stability to the world, Shi said.

He added that China and Germany jointly push for an early conclusion to the China-EU Investment Agreement negotiations and will start the China-EU Free Trade Area negotiations soon.