China and the European Union (EU) announced on Wednesday the
official launch of talks on a new pact, as both sides aim to
reinforce their strategic partnership.
The announcement of the launch of the Partnership Cooperation
Agreement (PCA), was made at a joint press conference held by
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and visiting EU counterpart Benita
Ferrero-Waldner.
"The agreement will provide a comprehensive basis covering the
whole range of the political, economic and trade relationship
between China and the European Union," Waldner said.
She told reporters that the agreement would cover 22 sectors,
including energy, environment, trade and human rights.
In September 2006 in Helsinki, the EU and China agreed to launch
talks on the PCA to update the 1985 Trade and Economic Cooperation
Agreement, the document which currently constitutes the legal basis
governing EU-China relations.
"I agree with Waldner's comments, that China and the EU are not
only trade partners, but all-round strategic partners. We share
broad common interests and common positions," said Li.
He said Sino-EU joint efforts will also be conducive to world
peace and common development.
Waldner, the EU Commissioner for External Relations and
Neighborhood Policy, announced that the new pact would reflect all
the changes in the bilateral relationship since 1985.
In September 2006, the EU and China agreed in Helsinki to launch
the talks on the PCA.
Earlier in the day, the EU office in Beijing announced the
creation of a new Europe-China law school in China along with other
projects such as one holding training programs for Chinese
managers.
During his talks with Waldner, Li said, "We should continue to
increase political dialogue to enhance mutual trust, actively
expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, science and
technology, agriculture and education, and properly handle any
differences that arise between the two sides," said Li.
Li also expressed his appreciation for the EU's adherence to the
one-China policy.
"I hope the EU side can make concerted efforts with China to
combat Taiwan independence and jointly safeguard the peace and
stability across the Taiwan Straits, in the Asian and Pacific
region and the whole world," Li said.
Waldner noted that the PCA would provide an overall foundation
for the development of bilateral political, economic and trade
relations.
She said China and the European Union are important forces in
the world enjoying fast growth, wit the time now propitious to
develop bilateral relations.
The European Union is willing to work with China to handle
various global challenges and solve problems such as energy
security, fair trade and climate change, said Waldner.
(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)