The fundamental approach by the European Union to China remains one of engagement and partnership. A new strategy seeks to respond to China’s emergence as a global economic and political power.
European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said: “Getting the partnership between Europe and China right is a key challenge for this Commission and the EU. Our new China initiative represents an ambitious agenda. To tackle the key challenges facing Europe today – like climate change, economic growth, migration, and international security – we need to leverage the potential of a dynamic relationship with China’.
The new initiative, a follow up of the EU-China Summit in Helsinki on 9 September, sets out a comprehensive approach, identifying as priorities support for China’s transition towards a more open and plural society, sustainable development, including co-operation with China on energy issues, climate change and international development. The new initiative is accompanied by a trade policy paper setting out the challenges of the trade and investment relations in more detail.
Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner: ‘Our joint goal should be to join efforts and offer joint solutions to today’s global problems. Our new initiative offers an important backdrop to negotiations for a new EU-China Framework Agreement, which I will launch in China early in the New Year’.
During the presentation of the new strategy, European Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson, said: ‘China is not a globalisation scare story, it is a globalisation success story. China means cheaper goods in European shops, cheaper inputs for business, more competitive European companies, growing markets for Europe’s exporters and lower interest rates. Europe has an economic interest in an economically strong China. Both sides benefit from openness.’
‘But, China must fulfill its WTO obligations and commit to trading fairly. Europe must accept fierce competition. China must ensure it is fair competition’, declared Peter Mandelson.
