China and the EU

Chinese President Hu Jintao called for increased cultural and educational exchanges between China and the EU during a meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in Beijing on May 16.

The two sides should also enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, finance, innovation, environmental protection and new energy, he added.

Van Rompuy was on his first official visit to China since taking office in 2009. The EU is China's largest trade partner, while China is the 27-member bloc's second largest trade partner.

China will continue to provide convenience for investors from EU countries, Hu said. At the same time, he called on the EU to expand exports of hi-tech products to China, recognize China's market economy status and create a relaxed policy environment for Chinese firms to invest in Europe.

The EU would keep markets open, avoid protectionism and push for agreements in the Doha Round of WTO negotiations along with China, Van Rompuy said.

China and Pakistan

China and Pakistan signed agreements on economic, technical and banking cooperation as well as mineral exploration during Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's visit to China on May 17-20.

Gilani's visit came at a time when the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

At a meeting with Gilani in Beijing, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said no matter what changes take place in the international landscape, China and Pakistan will always be "good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers."

Pakistan has made great sacrifices for and contributions to the global war against terrorism. The international community should understand and support Pakistan's efforts to maintain domestic stability and advance economic and social development, Wen said.

Pakistan is willing to collaborate with China in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, investment, trade, finance and cultural exchanges, Gilani said.

Trade between China and Pakistan reached $8.7 billion in 2010, up 27.7 percent over the previous year.