China and the European Union (EU) will jointly establish a broadband network with transmission speed of above 2.5 Gbps, according to a joint statement signed in Beijing Thursday. ?

 

Sources with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said the broadband network is designed to support research cooperation by the two sides. It will also open up a new path for China to construct broadband network, and consequently lower the cost for international cooperation on research and development. ?

 

An MOST official said the cooperation will also help push forward the strategic partnership between China and the EU. ?

 

According to the official, China has made a breakthrough in designing high-end routers and next-generation Internet, after launching a network using IPv6 technology. China has also carried out cooperation with the US and Japan on next-generation Internet.

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(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2006)