In addition to pressures from China's economic ascent, the self-centered view in Europe has also caused the bloc to underestimate the political and social progress that China has achieved since its reform and opening-up. That approach has fueled dissatisfaction and disappointment among EU members toward the Asian nation's development, regarded as out of track with what the EU has tried to guide. As a result, negative factors in EU opinions toward China have risen and misunderstanding and prejudice toward its domestic and foreign policies have increased.

Under this political environment, the EU and some of its members have contravened the much-needed principle of mutual respect in dealings with China and sent bilateral political ties into a low level, as indicated by the postponing of a scheduled summit meeting between the two sides at the end of 2008.

The hard work made by both sides to resume the summit, which facilitated high-level exchanges and dialogue, managed to bring the ties back onto the track of normal development. China and EU efforts to remove obstacles also indicate that Sino-EU relations enjoy a solid foundation and the two sides' strong wish to consolidate achieved results in bilateral ties. At a time when changing international situations have presented some difficulties for Sino-EU relations, such a "look forward" attitude has injected realistic and fresh vitality into the ties.

Both China and the EU undertake important responsibilities in extricating the world from poverty, promoting reform of the international financial system and handling regional hot spot issues. They also share common traits in promoting the implementation of the UN millennium development plan and tackling climate change. Same or similar interests and stances between the two on a wide range of international and regional issues have contributed much to the deepening of mutual consultation and cooperation in global affairs.

Under the guideline of the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU has made new steps forward and faced new tests as well. Similarly, China's modernization is entering a crucial stage. These not only need China and the EU to deepen mutual understanding and support, but also offer them broader prospects for bilateral ties.

China and the EU should sum up their experiences accumulated over the past 35 years and try to add some new vitality into bilateral ties. They should look at each other in a more open and tolerant manner on the basis of mutual respect and conduct dialogues in a variety of fields.

The establishment of more channels for mutual cooperation and communication will increase their common ground and enhance mutual understanding and trust, which will help reduce obstacles in bilateral exchanges and resolve emerging disputes in a more appropriate manner.

The author is a researcher with the China Institute of International Studies.