China responsible holder of European bonds: premier

Premier Li Keqiang meets President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in Brussels on June 29. The Premier said that China always supports the European integration process and will be a responsible holder of European debt. He also expressed the hope that the Greek problem is settled properly. [Photo/Xinhua]

BRUSSELS - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Monday that China is always a responsible long-term holder of European bonds and expects an adequate solution to the Greek debt issue.

In talks with European Parliament President Martin Schulz in Brussels, Li said China firmly supports the European integration process and will be a responsible long-term holder of European bonds as it has been in the past.

Talking about the Greek debt crisis that is at a critical stage, Li said the issue is not only a concern for Europe, but for the ties between China and the European Union (EU) the world.

On Sunday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a surprise proposal for a referendum on the terms of bailout deal. His decision came after the last round of talks with lenders in Brussels failed as eurozone finance ministers rejected Athens' request to extend its bailout into July.

As major trading partners to each other, China and the EU are sharing one common destiny, Li said.

Li said that the European Parliament is playing an increasingly important role in dealing with EU affairs and the EU's relationship with China.

The two sides have decided to set up a dialogue mechanism for legal affairs, which would promote mutual understanding and exchange of views, Li said.

Schulz said that political and economic ties between the EU and China are vital to both the present and the future.

China is playing an important role on many global issues, such as balanced development of global economy and trade, regional security as well as climate change, Schulz said.

The EU appreciated China's efforts to actively deal with climate change by developing green economy and strengthen the legislation of environmental protection, added Schulz.

Li arrived here Sunday for the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels.

During his stay in Brussels, Li will co-chair the China-EU leaders' meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker.

After the Brussels trip, Li will go to France and deliver a speech at the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters in Paris. Afterwards, he will visit Marseille and Toulouse.