|
 |
|
CHINA-EU TIES: Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is welcomed by Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo in Brussels on September 20 (PANG XINGLEI) |
The visit indicated that China and the EU will jointly cope with the crisis and boost economic growth via cooperation and a coordinated stance based on mutual benefit and respect, Cai said.
Closer trade relations have brought increasing trade conflicts. Observers noted that current trade conflicts are controllable if inevitable. Approaching competition with a positive attitude could lead to more scientific progress among European countries, which are at the forefront of the hi-tech field.
In early September, the EU chose to conduct an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese solar products. With a total volume of 130 billion yuan ($20.62 billion), it is the most expensive trade dispute in the world.
The history of cooperation between China and the EU demonstrates that dialogue and negotiation—not trade protectionism—can solve problems, Cai said.
The China-EU Summit presented a valuable platform for such compromise. During Wen's visit, both sides reiterated that trade protectionism should be rejected. German Chancellor Angela Merkel previously called for all EU nations to solve the solar panel issue through political dialogue during her recent visit to China.
China's growing economic strength is having a bigger impact on EU economies, Liu said. Now China is experiencing an economic transformation from traditional labor-intensive industries to an ungraded economic structure focusing more on hi-tech areas. "Competition between China and the EU is stronger than before, which is to be expected. It is impossible for a big economy like China's to stay at the labor-focused stage forever," Liu explained. "Moreover, economic globalization makes international competition unavoidable."
Liu pointed out that the key to dealing with trade competition is to maintain a healthy attitude. The EU countries still hold an advantage in hi-tech industries. Now they should make efforts to increase their own competitiveness through industrial upgrading, he said. "Antelopes run faster when there's a lion chasing them," Liu added. "Globalization stimulates competitors' momentum to seek progress."
New Thoughts on China-EU Relations
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao put forward a four-point proposal for the development of China-EU relations in an address delivered at the 15th China-EU Summit in Brussels on September 20:
China and the EU should vigorously promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment and stand firm against protectionism
The two sides need to focus on new industries such as advanced manufacturing, new energy, new materials, biopharmacy, and information and telecommunications, and establish joint research and development centers, technology transfer centers and joint incubators
The two sides should make joint efforts to establish effective mechanisms for promoting bilateral cooperation in sectors such as transportation, electric power, and telecommunications
The two sides should promote reforms of the international financial system to achieve new progress and maintain global economic and financial stability
(Source: Xinhua News Agency)
Email us at: dingying@bjreview.com | 
