Seek overall cooperation with China

Barroso said he is looking forward to the meeting between the European Commission and the Chinese leadership.

"We will seize this opportunity to generate positive momentum in our 35-years' relationship and develop a far-reaching agenda for the next five years," he said.

According to the president, the meeting will mainly address bilateral issues, notably perspectives of EU-China relations, as well as important global challenges such as the economic and financial crisis, climate change and international security issues.

"My meetings in Beijing will allow me to have an open discussion about further steps to reinforce our bilateral relationship across the board. Not only economic development but also education, culture and social issues are important to foster our partnership," he said.

Barroso said the two sides need to further boost bilateral trade, cut unnecessary regulatory obstacles and create an even more welcoming environment for cross-border investment. "After all, we are key markets for each other: We are China's biggest trade partner, and China is our second-largest trade partner."

In his view, the EU and China have taken a leadership role in shaping a global response to the financial crisis since 2008. In fact, their most important joint decision was to resist protectionism and to keep markets open.

Barroso, together with his Chinese partners, will open the Europe-China Clean Energy Center in Beijing on April 30 to strengthen research and cooperation in the area of clean and renewable energy.

"We will also discuss our plans to hold a EU-China Year of the Youth in 2011," Barroso said.