The essence of issues involving Hong Kong and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region are about safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and unity, and the protection of rights for the people to live safe and happy lives, President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks when co-hosting a leaders' meeting Monday evening in Beijing via video link with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Beijing will resolutely oppose any individual or forces trying to instigate instability, division or chaos in the country, and firmly object to the intervention in China's internal affairs by any country, Xi said.

As for human rights, Xi said there are no universally applicable paths in human rights development, and there will always be room for improvement in human rights protection. Xi went on to say that countries should focus on their own agenda, and it is his belief that the EU can solve their own existing human rights problems.

China won't accept lectures from other countries and will object to the practice of double standards, he said, adding that the country is willing to step up exchanges with the EU under the principle of mutual respect to seek common progress.