A report published?in London?on Tuesday called on the European Union to step up its relationship with China to pave the way for resolving major international issues in the future.

The recent developments like the Copenhagen climate change conference underline the need for "an effective relationship between the EU and China, based on trust and mutual respect," said the report compiled by the EU Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Development Policy of the UK House of Lords.

Lord Teverson, chairman of the committee, said: "China is clearly going to be a major economic and political force in the 21st century. The EU needs to act now to raise its game substantially to improve its relationship with Beijing."

The UK and the EU engagement strategy toward China must be " robust and focused," said the report.