Interaction with Europe

Premier Li Keqiang's ongoing visit to Central and Eastern European countries, his second visit to Europe since taking office in March, will deepen China's relations with the region as well as have positive implications for China's interaction with the entire continent.

Thanks to the efforts of both sides, bilateral cooperation has grown smoothly in various fields, says a People's Daily Overseas Edition commentary.

China is carrying out a $10-billion special loan project to aid development in CEE countries. The two sides have also held multiple activities in such areas as trade, culture and education. These have not only won acclaim from CEE countries, but also helped their cooperation become increasingly mature.

Bilateral cooperation has brought real benefits to CEE countries. Funds and technologies from China have boosted infrastructure and the machinery industry in these countries as well as created jobs and promoted the development of local economies. Chinese consumers have begun to accept products from CEE countries, which will help these countries increase their exports.

The vitality of China's relations with CEE countries comes from the spirit of mutual benefits and the pursuit of a win-win outcome. If looked at from a larger picture, China's help to CEE countries also contributes to European development as a whole.

Eleven of the 16 CEE countries have joined the European Union. The development level of CEE countries lags behind those of Western Europe. Better economic performance in the CEE countries would bring more opportunities to enterprises in Western Europe.

The EU has adopted various financial instruments to help CEE countries. China's deepened cooperation with these countries in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture and machinery will eventually facilitate balanced development of the different regions in Europe. This is good news for Europe as it will in turn contribute to the overall development of the continent.

On the other hand, as an important part of its relations with the EU, China's growing relations with the CEE countries will contribute to the balanced development of China-EU ties as well.

Li's visit has come at an important juncture as the two have just adopted the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation. It is believed Li's visit will raise China's relations with CEE countries and Europe as a whole to an even higher level.

(China Daily 11/27/2013 page8)