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EU urged to recognize China's market economy

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-04 07:01

China urged the European Union (EU) Tuesday to recognize its full market economy status, which has been recognized by some 75 countries.

"The development of China's market economy is better than many other countries, but it is a pity that the EU so far has not recognized China's status of full market economy," said Zha Peixin, vice chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and chairman of the NPC-European Parliament Relations Group.

To benefit the long-term development of Sino-EU economic and trade cooperation, the EU should recognize this status as soon as possible, Zha told the two-day 26th China/European Parliament (EP) interparliamentary meeting in Brussels, which began Monday.

Tuesday's talks focused on social and economic issues, including bilateral economic and trade ties, international financial market, climate change and production security among other topics.

On climate change, Zha said China will fulfill its obligations under relevant international protocols, but developed countries should spearhead efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and help developing nations by sharing technology with them and providing investment.

Zha also elaborated China's position on the exchange rate of the yuan, Sino-EU trade conflicts and sovereign wealth funds.

The 26th China/EP interparliamentary meeting was the first between the two sides since last September.

At the end of the meeting, Zha said the two-day talks were conducive to deepening mutual understanding and trust, and to promoting the all-round cooperation between China and the EU.

He told Xinhua that the NPC and the EP should continue to promote Sino-EU cooperation, and avoid being the "obstacle."

Since they established the mechanism of exchange in 1981, the NPC and the EP had made important contributions to the development of Sino-EU ties, he said.

While differences and conflicts are normal in bilateral relations, both sides should attach more importance to the development of such relations, he said.

His views were echoed by Dirk Sterckx, chairman of the EP delegation for relations with China.

Sterckx told Xinhua Monday that it is important to "agree to disagree" and to continue to talk to each other under different circumstances.

"Communication always helps," he said.

He expressed his hope that the EP and the NPC could work together to enhance the EU-China relationship.

On Monday, both delegations mainly discussed political issues, including EU-China relations, global and regional security, religion, human rights and law.

The 27th meeting between the two sides will be held in Beijing in November this year.