Step up dialogue on climate talks

Concerning climate talks, Barroso said the commission's objective remains a strong international legal framework to address climate change since the Copenhagen Accord is a staging post and not an end result.

"I'm hopeful that we can push forward on this with our Chinese counterparts," he said. "China is keen to move towards a low-carbon economy, as evidenced by its recovery package."

The EU issued a communique in early March, elaborating the bloc's standpoints on climate change for the first time since the Copenhagen talks in December and also reaffirming the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

"We will step up our dialogue with China over months to come to seek the most robust outcome for Cancun," Barroso said.

Shanghai Expo acts as bridge

Another significant aspect of Barroso's visit to China will be his participation in the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 and the inauguration of the EU pavilion on May 1.

"It is indeed the first time that the EU will participate in an Expo outside of Europe. This is therefore a sign of the importance that we attach to our relations with China," Barroso told Xinhua.

Barroso said he is convinced that millions of Chinese visitors will be interested in seeing many foreign pavilions, not only the spectacular Chinese one, and to learn more about other countries, city life and civil society there.

According to the president, the EU pavilion will not only host a whole series of cultural events but also debates and exhibitions about specific topics related to the theme of "Better city, better life."

"I look forward to the many opportunities that this expo will offer for the Chinese people to learn more about Europe and to have direct contact with us, either at our place or at the pavilions of our 27 member states who are all present," he said.