The outcome of the 15th EU-China Summit
After seven months since they last met in Beijing, President Barroso and President Van Rompuy welcomed China’s Premier Wen for the 15th Summit between the EU and China.
According to the EU authorities, bilateral relationship is strong and expanding. EU and China are two of the three largest world economies. They are mutually important trading partners. The EU is China's biggest trading partner and China is EU’s second and fastest growing partner. Despite all the challenges they are facing, it is certain that their co-operation will greatly contribute to their success.
Economic and financial issues in the regions and in the rest of the world were a crucial part of discussions. Prime Minister Wen was explained about EU’s progress in setting up the necessary mechanisms and governance structures to strengthen the European economy.
Premier Wen was thanked for the support he and the Chinese leadership have showed throughout the euro crisis. It was agreed that due to the closer co-operation and increasing economic interdependence, the stability and integrity of the euro zone has a positive economic impact on China.
Dialogues on trade, investment, and on a better level playing field for commercial relations were also discussed. Four agreements on innovation, competition, space and low carbon programme were signed.
In terms of the human rights, it was expressed that the Human Rights Dialogue with China forms an essential part of their relationship. It was welcomed that after more than one year the Human Rights Dialogue had been resumed.
The EU attaches great importance to the respect for fundamental freedoms in China, as in other parts of the world. The progress achieved in China by lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty was recognised, but there are also concerns. In particular, the restrictions of freedom of expression and the situation in Tibet are causes for concern.
The most critical regional situations affecting peace and security, in particular in Syria, were also discussed. It was stressed to Premier Wen how important it is for everyone to act together in order to help resolve the situation. It would bring lasting stability and peace to the country and its people.
This summit was the last one with Premier Wen. He has led the Chinese delegation to EU-China Summits for a decade. He attended his first Summit in 2003 when China and the EU agreed to enter into a ‘Strategic Partnership’.
Your comment
Comments
