European Parliament (EP) President Josep Borrell Fontelles on Wednesday highly praised the EU-China relationship, saying that China had made impressive achievements on every front.

 

Meeting with China's Ambassador to the EU Guan Chengyuan at the EP building, Fontelles recounted his visit to China, especially the Tibet Autonomous Region, this summer, saying he was deeply impressed with the talks with the Chinese leaders, and China's accomplishments in every field.

 

He said China is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs.

 

Fontelles expressed his satisfaction with the increasingly intensive exchanges between the EP and the Chinese parliament, and hoped such activities would be further enhanced.

 

More than 70, or one-tenth of EP members have visited China since the beginning of this year. Fontelles' tour in July was the first for an EP head in 13 years.

 

Fontelles rebutted the theory of "China threat" in a recent article, noting that there is no reason for the Europeans to feel jittered about an awakening China.

 

Guan told Xinhua that the EP's attitude toward China is shifting favorably as more and more lawmakers are able to view Chinese affairs impartially and actively engage in boosting bilateral relations.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2006)