"Let us together form the future, and make footsteps on this
planet that will benefit our people," said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen,
president of the Party of European Socialists (PES), on Wednesday
while giving an interview to Chinese media in Beijing.
"The China-EU trade partnership has proven its contribution to
both our citizens and workers. Now, we must move ahead and together
ensure decent work for all the workers," he said. "I know China has
an increasing cooperation with the ILO (International Labor
Organization), the United Nations and so have we. The new labor law
can act as a signal and guide to Chinese workers as China and the
EU help each other progress in this direction."
In face of challenges brought by globalization, Rasmussen argued
for the need for globalized governance. "The People's Republic of
China is doing a marvelous job. In my mind, China could be even a
more important player in United Nations. We have a fundamental
belief in China's multilateralism. This is why the UN can help
achieve globalized governance," he emphasized.
Peacekeeping missions represent another area in which China and
Europe can boost ties, he said, outlining that "in the Middle-East,
I think the Chinese peacemakers in Lebanon are doing a fantastic
job. I respect that and see that more can be done together as
partners in peace."
Turning his attention to the financial market, Rasmussen
expressed his fears, calling it "too short term. We need a
framework to make it more viable in the long-term and this can be
achieved through bilateral investment to obtain resources,
innovation and progressive results. We need new rules to shift the
financial market into adopting new patterns."
Another issue is that of climate change, upon which Rasmussen
pointed out "for the harmonious society, we are very interested in
reaching common goals in upcoming years. Europe stands united on
climate changes and we invite China to become a strong ally at the
upcoming meeting in Paris in December for the next step of the
Kyoto Protocol Progress."
Rasmussen could not emphasize enough the importance of
education, saying "I am impressed with China's progress in this
regard, with people's living standards greatly increasing. Why
can't China and Europe unite in calling for more international
justice, a fairer distribution of wealth and global governance
which will ensure fairness in trade, environment, and the financial
market."
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When asked about similarities or differences between the
"harmonious society" proposed by China and the "balanced
development" committed to by the EU, Rasmussen agreed that
similarities existed since both stated that every individual should
have a place in the society and enjoy decent working conditions in
a globalized world. Furthermore, the economic, social and
environmental spheres of climate and energy interacted
harmoniously. "If we integrate them, we will see good development
and renewed inspiration to overcome differences and work together
based on mutual respect and understanding. In the modern world,
China and EU should be economic partners, not adversaries."
Discussing PES intervention in settling economic disputes
between China and the EU, he hoped the PES could help broach a
solution which would make rooms for Chinese products and workers
and for Europe. "The task of PES is not to correct Peter Mandelson
but to envision our own ideas about workers' interests and
political visions. We have some ideological differences, but far
more in common which unites us than divides us. That is why I am
here. I see that this planet can not be better without China and
China understands that its interests lie in cooperation with
Europe."
About enhancing ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC),
Rasmussen said "I certainly hope to develop our cooperation. The
CPC and the PES are moving in the same direction. Next year, I
propose a seminar in Europe with Chinese intellectuals and
political leaders discussing issues of common concern and consider
global governance."
"Since Deng Xiaoping decided to construct the market economy,
enormous things have happened. Today, I see a practical, innovating
and open-minded CPC," he told China.org.cn. "Of course we have
differences in our ideological basis but again, there are more
things to be positive about."
Rasmussen is leading a delegation from the Party of European
Socialists on a seven-day-visit to China at the invitation of the
Communist Party of China Central Committee's International
Department. He met with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Wang Jiarui, head of the CPPCC
International Department on Tuesday.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Li Shen, July 5, 2007)
