The European Commission (EC) would issue a new policy document
on the relations between the European Union (EU) and China next
Tuesday, an EC spokesman told Xinhua on Friday.
EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and EU
trade commissioner Peter Mandelson would jointly present the paper
to the European Parliament next Tuesday when it convenes in
Strasbourg, France, said EC spokesman Stephen Adams.
The document, taking the form of a Communication in the EC's
jargon, will map out a new strategic initiative for the 25-member
bloc on its policy for relations with China.
Adams said the new initiative would build on the EU's current
policy and ensure the EU was fit to respond to China's re-emergence
as an economic and political power, and it calls on both sides to
build a closer partnership and to deliver on the increased
responsibilities that it would entail.
According to Adams, the so-called "Communication" will be
accompanied by a policy paper on trade and investment, the EU's
first ever strategic paper solely focusing on trade and investment
policy with China.
The paper will set out the EU's approach in detail in this
important area.
"The document will review the development of the EU-China
relations over the past ten years and it sets principles for the
promotion of the bilateral relations in years to come," said
Adams.
As for the policy paper on trade and investment, Adams said the
"key message" of the document was that the EU and China had "shared
responsibilities" in promoting a bilateral and multilateral trade
system.
Adams said the document was expected to send a "clear message"
to China that both sides should conduct more dialogue and build a
stronger partnership.
"We hope the Chinese side would see a lot of welcome from this
document," he added.
The policy document will be the sixth of its kind issued by the
EU's executive arm.
In October 2003, the EC issued its fifth policy document on the
EU-China relations, and China followed up by releasing its first
policy paper on its relations with the EU. The two sides then
decided to build up an all-around strategic partnership.
(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2006)