Moving forward together
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Time right for improved policy coordination and stronger strategic cooperation between China and Europe.
This year, China-EU relations are off to a very good start with a series of important events.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Spain, Germany and the UK at the beginning of the year reinforced bilateral ties between China and key European Union member states. People-to-people exchanges between China and Europe will also be strengthened as we launched our first thematic year event, the EU-China Year of Youth, in Brussels on January 11 and Beijing on Feb 23. We are expecting a number of high-level visits during the first half of the year and I have high confidence that China-EU relations will record new progress in 2011.
After 35 years of growth and engagement, our relationship is comprehensive, strategic, dynamic and mutually beneficial. It is mature and solid enough to withstand tests and forge ahead. Premier Wen Jiabao recently said that China and Europe are at a critical moment for deepening cooperation. How we share the opportunities to address challenges and promote development will have a direct impact on us and on the world. So the question is why are there opportunities?
First, we are facing a changing international situation and global challenges. The world is undergoing profound adjustment with proliferating global challenges, uncertainties, and destabilizing factors. As the significance of our ties grow, we are supposed to play bigger roles on a myriad of fronts, ranging from international security matters, such as the Iranian nuclear issue, counter-terrorism, and the fight against piracy, to global governance including the reform of the international monetary regime and climate change. Whether it's in the United Nations or in the G20, there is higher expectation for better policy coordination and stronger strategic cooperation between China and Europe.
Second, China and Europe are both charting a course for growth. 2011 marks the beginning of China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) and Europe's 2020 Strategy. The plans share many similar ideas and priorities and thus present huge potential for practical cooperation in areas like a green economy, environmental protection, scientific innovation, and technology-intensive industries. We must make the best out of our comparative advantages, by thoughtfully matching Europe's expertise with China's market, and facilitate common business growth.
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