Martin Schulz, chairman of the Socialist Group in the European
Parliament, vowed that he and the group will, as always, adhere to
the one-China policy.
"We defended the policy in the past, we defend it at present and
we will defend it in the future," Schulz pledged.
Schulz made the remark during his meeting with top legislator Wu
Bangguo Tuesday in the Great Hall of the People.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National
People's Congress (NPC), said that China and the EU both play
significant roles in the international community and the all-round
strategic partnership serves to the common interests of both sides
and helps promote world peace and development.
The EU has become China's largest trading partner and the two
sides forged good communication and coordination on some
significant international issues, Wu noted.
The two sides have consolidated exchanges and cooperation in
various fields such as politics, economic and trade, science and
technology and culture in recent years, Wu said, calling for both
sides to continue stepping up China-EU all-round strategic
partnership.
Wu spoke positively about the friendly ties between the Chinese
NPC and the European Parliament and the constructive role played by
the Socialist Group in promoting Sino-EU relations.
Wu, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the
Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central
Committee, voiced the CPC's readiness to foster relations with
various parties, including the Socialist Group, in the European
Parliament.
The NPC also expects to fortify the friendly exchanges and
cooperation with the European Parliament to jointly push forward
the China-EU all-round strategic partnership, Wu stressed.
Schulz expressed his appreciation to the achievements China had
scored in economic construction and social development,
highlighting the significant role China plays in maintaining the
world peace.
When on the EU-China relations, Schulz said that the EU and
China share common interests and challenges and it is good for both
the European Parliament and the Chinese NPC to increase friendly
exchanges.
(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)
