European Union (EU) foreign ministers adopted in Brussels on Monday a conclusion document on its relations with China, vowing to boost the strategic partnership between the EU and China.

 

"The (EU) Council is strongly committed to the maturing of the EU's comprehensive strategic partnership with China," said the document issued by the foreign ministers, who gathered here for a two-day meeting.

 

On Monday afternoon, the ministers discussed the general aspect of EU-China relations as the European Commission (EC) has tabled a policy paper on the EU-China relations, according to EU Council spokesman Nicolas Kerleroux.

 

"For this partnership to develop to its full potential, it must be balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial," said the 7-page document, which is titled "Council Conclusions on EU-China Strategic Partnership."

 

The ministers noted bilateral important international commitments and responsibilities on both sides, adding that both should work hard to deliver these "in the interest of wider international security."

 

They also urged both sides to strengthen "an effective, fair, just and rules-based multilateral international system with the United Nations at its Center."

 

At the EU-China summit in October 2003, China and the EU decided to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership.

 

"The (EU) Council looks forward to the timely conclusion of negotiations of the new comprehensive agreement," said the paper.

 

At the Ninth EU-China Summit in September in Helsinki, China and the EU agreed to launch talks on the agreement, or the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to employ EU terminology, which aims to replace the current trade-focused agreement signed back in 1985.

 

The ministers noted that the future pact should encompass the "full scope of the bilateral relationship, including further strengthening of cooperation in political, trade and investment issues."

 

Earlier in October, the European Commission issued a policy paper on EU-China relations titled "EU-China, closer partners, growing responsibilities," which has set the priorities for the future agreement.

 

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner announced an upcoming visit to China on January 16 to formally launch the talks on the PCA.

 

The ministers also extended their appreciation for China's constructive role in regional security and thorny international issues, such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the Iran nuclear program and coming to Africa's aid.

 

The ministers recognized the Chinese government's success in developing its economy and reducing poverty, hailing China's recent proposal of building a "harmonious society."

 

On cross-straits relations, the document said the EU "remains committed to the one-China policy," welcoming initiatives by both sides aimed at promoting dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence building such as direct flights, reductions in trade barriers, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

 

The ministers, after discussing lifting the arms embargo against China, reaffirmed their willingness to "carry forward work towards lifting the arms embargo."

 

Since the EU is China's leading trading partner and China is the EU's second largest such, the document highlights the importance of appropriately handling trade and investment issues.

 

"The (EU) Council acknowledged that trade and economic relations are an increasingly important element of the larger relationship between the EU and China and bring benefit to both," said the document.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2006)