Germany will work to deepen the EU's strategic partnership with China during its presidency of the 27-nation bloc, the German ambassador to Beijing said yesterday.

 

"We want an internationally successful China as a partner, with whom we can solve global problems," said Volker Stanzel. "We have to be partners, strategic partners who address global challenges." 

 

In order to ensure consistency in the EU's relationship with China, Germany will consult with the previous and coming presidency of the European Council, said Stanzel, whose country currently holds the presidency for the twelfth time. 

 

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, the ambassador said Germany would liaise with Finland, Portugal and Slovenia in its decision-making. 

 

Finland held the previous presidency while Portugal and Slovenia will take the baton from Germany. 

 

"The German presidency intends to further strengthen the EU-China strategic partnership and add substance to EU-China relations," he said. 

 

The press conference was held prior to EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner's arrival in China today. 

 

The main purpose of Ferrero-Waldner's visit is to begin negotiations for the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), agreed upon at the ninth EU-China Summit in Helsinki last September. 

 

The PCA will come in replace to a doddering trade and economic pact over 20 years old. As well as trade and economic matters, it will provide enlarged cover for agriculture, transport, customs, education, science, information, security and counter-terrorism, plus the environment and energy. 

 

"Twenty years ago, we were only trade partners, but now we are strategic partners, meaning broader and deeper cooperation," she said before leaving for China. 

 

In Beijing, Ferrero-Waldner will talk with top legislator Wu Bangguo, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai. Their discussions will focus on the environment and energy cooperation. 

 

Since 2004, the common market of the EU with over 500 million consumers has become China's most important trade partner, and China stands as the EU's second most important trade partner. 

 

(China Daily January 16, 2007)