EU, China pledge to strive for partnership
By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-15 06:02

China and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their commitment yesterday to further developing a comprehensive strategic partnership.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (L) meets Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing July 14, 2005. [newsphoto]

The pledge was made during a meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Barroso is on his first visit to China in his current capacity. He will also visit Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao during the five-day trip.

It is in China and Europe's interest to build a strategic partnership, Wen said. He urged adequate preparation for the upcoming Eighth China-EU Summit scheduled to be held in Beijing in September.

Wen also called for discussions on the feasibility of a China-EU partnership co-operation accord and the establishment of a dialogue mechanism.

Barroso said China's rapid development has offered more chances for China-EU co-operation. He will meet President Hu Jintao today. China's demand to be recognized as a full market economy by the EU is expected to be on the agenda.

The EU last year replaced the United States as China's largest trading partner, with annual trade totalling 174 billion euros (US$212 billion). China is the EU's second-largest trade partner, after the US.

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