The upcoming China-EU Summit will create a climate of "self-confidence and optimism;" and reap an "early harvest" from the new partnership framework talks. The two sides will solve the problems with the trade relationship, which is the "backbone" of the bilateral ties. On November 12, Mr. Serge Abou, the EU Ambassador to China, made these remarks.
This 10th Summit, to be held in Beijing on November 28, follows China’s successful 17th National Party Congress and the EU’s adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. Mr. Abou explained that the prospects of both China and the EU look good.
The EU delegation to the Summit, sent by Mr. Abou, will be headed by Mr. Barroso, Chairman of the European Commission, and Mr. Sócrates, Prime Minister of Portugal: the current seat of EU presidency.
Mr. Abou said one of the objectives of the Summit will be to enhance political cooperation by building links with "more intensity;" reaping an "early harvest" in talks on the Partnership and Cooperation Accord; and discussing specific contributions that address the "strategic" issues of each side.
China is embarking on a scientific road to development. Mr. Abou believed that there are "many domains to which the EU can contribute," including a more balanced development within China, environmental protection and climate change.
The EU has offered 500 million euros in loans to China to fight climate change; and Mr. Abou has proposed to build an Europe-China Center for Clean Energy in Beijing.
Mr. Abou said the issues in Africa, the Middle East, Burma, and the fight against terrorism will also be discussed at the Summit.
Hundreds of business representatives from China and the EU will attend the China-EU Business Summit on November 27 – one day before the top leaders of the two sides meet.
The trade relationship is, and will remain to be, the "backbone" of the China-EU relationship, according to Mr. Abou. The two sides are "largely open" to each other.
Mr. Abou highlighted the EU’s concerns over product safety and intellectual property rights protection. He stressed that the EU adopts a "no compromise" attitude towards product safety. However, he would not like to use the issue to justify protectionism against China for the sake of maintaining cooperation.
Mr. Abou also stressed that the leaders of both sides are here to solve the problems that exist. The EU does not expect its trade deficit with China to be resolved immediately; but hopes the Summit can make a contribution.
The EU-China partnership has developed "harmoniously and effectively," commented Mr. Abou. In addition, he pointed out that the EU is China’s largest trading partner in the world, as well as the most "intense and reliable" collaborator in science and technology.
Chinese researchers were the first non-European applicants for the 7th Framework Plan: the EU-funded subsidy for collaborative research programs. And some 120, 000 Chinese students are currently studying in Europe.
Mr. Abou added that tourism was also growing rapidly. Last year, the EU issued 1.23 million visas to Chinese visitors; while the number of visitors to China from the EU is increasing by 25 percent annually.
By People's Daily Online
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