China hopes its policy paper to the European Union will enhance
comprehensive bilateral ties, a Foreign Ministry official said in
Beijing Monday.
The Chinese government issued China's EU Policy Paper Monday,
spelling out objectives of China's EU policy and outlining plans on
cooperation in the next five years. The document was the first of
its kind after the two sides established diplomatic ties nearly 30
years ago.
This was a response to the five documents issued by the EU in
the past eight years, the official said, noting that in recent
years, bilateral relations had developed soundly and rapidly with
frequent high-level visits and a dialogue of friendly
cooperation.
China supported the integration of the EU and welcomed its
active role in European and international affairs, the official
said. And China would deepen relations with EU members, including
new members, to maintain the stability and continuity of bilateral
relations.
The EU's ban on arms sales to China was an outcome of the Cold
War and inappropriate to the current sound relations. China hoped
the EU would lift the ban soon, the official said.
China had on many occasions voiced its appeal for full market
economy status and officially submitted an application to the EU in
May this year. China hoped the EU would face the reality of China's
market economy and treat China's achievements fairly, said the
official.
The official added that both China and the EU were victims of
and strongly opposed all forms of terrorism. China advocated more
cooperation in the international community in this regard and was
ready to maintain contact and consultation with the EU on fighting
terrorism.
(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2003)