Foreword
The
international situation has been undergoing profound changes
since the advent of the new century. The trend towards world
multipolarity and economic globalisation is developing amid
twists and turns. Peace and development remain the themes of
our era. The world is hardly a tranquil place and mankind is
still confronted with many serious challenges. However,
preserving world peace, promoting development and
strengthening cooperation, which is vital to the well-being
of all nations, represents the common aspiration of all
peoples and is an irreversible trend of history.
China is committed to turning herself
into a well-off society in an all-round way and aspires for
a favourable international climate. China will continue to
pursue its independent foreign policy of peace and work
closely with other countries for the establishment of a new
international political and economic order that is fair and
equitable, and based on the Five Principles of Peaceful
Co-existence. China will, as always, respect diversity in
the world and promote democracy in international relations
in the interest of world peace and common development.
The European Union (EU) is a major
force in the world. The Chinese Government appreciates the
importance the EU and its members attach to developing
relations with China. The present EU Policy Paper of the
Chinese Government is the first of its kind and aims to
highlight the objectives of China's EU policy, and outline
the areas and plans of cooperation and related measures in
the next five years so as to enhance China-EU all-round
cooperation and promote a long-term and stable development
of China-EU relations.
Part One: Status and Role
of the European Union
The creation
and development of the European Union is an event of
far-reaching significance following World War II. Since the
launch of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, the
EU has become what it is today through the stages of the Tax
and Customs Union, the Single Market and the Economic and
Monetary Union. Its integration in the foreign policy,
defence and social fields has made headway. The Euro has
been put to circulation successfully and a single area of
justice is taking shape. The EUis now a strong and the most
integrated community in the world, taking up 25 and 35
percent of the world's economy and trade respectively and
ranking high on the world's list of per capita income and
foreign investment.
In 2004, the EU
will be enlarged to a total membership of 25. The new
European Union would then cover much of Eastern and Western
Europe with an area of four million square kilometres, a
population of 450 million and a GDP of over 10 trillion US
Dollars.
Despite its difficulties and
challenges ahead, the European integration process is
irreversible and the EU will play an increasingly important
role in both regional and international affairs.
Part Two: China's EU
Policy
China attaches importance to
the role and influence of the EU in regional and
international affairs. History proves that the establishment
of diplomatic relations between China and the European
Economic Community in 1975 has served the interests of both
sides. Despite their twists and turns, China-EU relations
asa whole have been growing stronger and more mature and are
now on the track of a comprehensive and sound development.
In 1998 Chinaand the EU launched their annual summit
mechanism. In 2001, the two sides established a full
partnership. China and the EU have developed an ever closer
consultation and fruitful cooperation in the political,
economic, trade, scientific, cultural and educational
fields. China-EU relations now are better than any time in
history.
There is no fundamental
conflict of interest between China and the EU and neither
side poses a threat to the other. However, given their
differences in historical background, cultural heritage,
political system and economic development level, it is
natural that the two sides have different views or even
disagree on some issues. Nevertheless China-EU relations of
mutual trust and mutual benefit cannot and will not be
affected if the two sides address their disagreements in a
spirit of equality and mutual respect.
The common ground between
China and the EU far outweighs their disagreements. Both
China and the EU stand for democracy in international
relations and an enhanced role of the UN. Both are committed
to combating international terrorism and promoting
sustainable development through poverty elimination and
environmental protection endeavours. China and the EU are
highly complementary economically thanks to their respective
advantages. The EU has a developed economy, advanced
technologies and strong financial resources while China
boasts steady economic growth, a huge market and abundant
labour force. There is a broad prospect for bilateral trade
and economic and technological cooperation. Both China and
the EU member states have a long history and splendid
culture each and stand for more cultural exchanges and
mutual emulation. The political, economic and cultural
common understanding and interaction between China and the
EU offer a solid foundation for the continued growth of
China-EU relations.
To strengthen and
enhance China-EU relations is an important component of
China's foreign policy. China is committed to a long-term,
stable and full partnership with the EU. China's EU policy
objectives are:
-- To promote a sound
and steady development of China-EU political relations under
the principles of mutual respect, mutualtrust and seeking
common ground while reserving differences, and contribute to
world peace and stability;
-- To
deepen China-EU economic cooperation and trade under the
principles of mutual benefit, reciprocity and consultation
on an equal basis, and promote common development;
-- To expand China-EU cultural and
people-to-people exchanges under the principle of mutual
emulation, common prosperity and complementarity, and
promote cultural harmony and progress between the East and
the West.
Part
Three: Strengthen China-EU Cooperation in All Fields
I. The Political Aspect
1. Strengthen the exchange of
high-level visits and political dialogue
-- Maintain close contacts and timely
communication between the two sides at high levels through
various means.
-- Give full play to
the functions of the China-EU annual summit by
substantiating its content, stressing its practical results
and strengthening bilateral coordination.
-- Implement in real earnest China-EU
agreement on political dialogue and constantly improve and
strengthen mechanisms of regular and irregular consultations
at all levels.
-- Deepen relations
with all EU members, including its new ones so as to
maintain stability and continuity in the overall
relationship between China and EU.
2.
Strictly abide by the one-China principle
The one-China principle is an
important political cornerstone underpinning China-EU
relations. The proper handling of the Taiwan question is
essential for a steady growth of China-EU relations. China
appreciates EU and its members' commitment to the one-China
principle and hopes that the EU will continue to respect
China's major concerns over the Taiwan question, guard
against Taiwan authorities' attempt to create "two
Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and
prudently handle Taiwan-related issues. In this connection,
it is important that the EU
--
Prohibit any visit by any Taiwan political figures to the EU
or its member countries under whatever name or pretext; not
to engage in any contact or exchange of an official or
governmental nature with Taiwan authorities.
-- Not to support Taiwan's accession
to or participation in any international organization whose
membership requires statehood. Taiwan's entry into the WTO
in the name of "separate customs territory of Taiwan,
'Penghu, Jinmen, Mazu" (or Chinese Taipei for short)
does not mean any change in Taiwan's status as part of
China. EU exchanges with Taiwan must be strictly unofficial
and non-governmental.
-- Not to sell
to Taiwan any weapon, equipment, goods, materials or
technology that can be used for military purposes.
3. Encourage Hong Kong and
Macao's cooperation with EU
The
Central Government of China supports and encourages the Hong
Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions in developing
friendly relations and cooperation with the EU in accordance
with the principle of "one country, two systems"
and the provisions of the two Basic Laws and on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit.
4.
Promote the EU's understanding of Tibet
China encourages personages of
various circles in the EU to visit Tibet and welcomes the
support of the EU and its members to Tibet's economic,
cultural, educational and social development and their
cooperation with the autonomous region subject to full
respect of China's laws and regulations. The Chinese side
requests the EU side not to have any contact with the
"Tibetan government in exile" or provide
facilities to the separatist activities of the Dalai clique.
5. Continue the
human rights dialogue
There are both
consensus and disagreements between China and the EU on the
question of human rights. The Chinese side appreciates the
EU's persistent position for dialogue and against
confrontation and stands ready to continue dialogue,
exchange and cooperation on human rights with the EU on the
basis of equality and mutual respect so as to share
information, enhance mutual understanding and deepen
cooperation in protecting, inter alia, citizens' social and
cultural rights and the rights of the disadvantaged.
6. Strengthen international
cooperation
-- Enhance China-EU
consultation and coordination on major international and
regional hotspot issues.
--
Strengthen China-EU cooperation at the UN and work together
to uphold the UN's authority, promote its leading role in
safeguarding world peace and facilitating economic and
social development, particularly in helping developing
countries eliminate poverty, improving global environment
and drug control, and support UN's reform.
-- Advance the process of Asia-Europe
cooperation. China and the EU should work together to make
ASEM a role model for inter-continental cooperation on the
basis of equality, a channel for exchange between the
oriental and occidental civilizations and a driving force
behind the establishment of a new international political
and economic order.
-- Jointly combat
terrorism. Both China and the EU are victims of terrorism
and are strongly opposed to all forms of terrorism. Both
sides are also opposed to any linkage between terrorism and
any particular country, nation, ethnic group or religion.
China and the EU should keep in close touch and cooperation
on counter-terrorism.
-- Jointly
safeguard the international arms control, disarmament and
non-proliferation regimes and step up consultation and
coordination on the basis of mutual respect; strengthen
exchange and cooperation on non-proliferation and export
control and the prevention of weaponization of and arms race
in outer space; jointly contribute to the resolution of the
issue of anti-personnel landmines and explosive remnants of
war; and enhance cooperation in implementing the
international arms control treaties.
7. Enhance mutual understanding
between Chinese and European legislative organs
The relations between the National
People's Congress of China and the parliaments of EU member
countries and the European Parliament are an important link
in China-EU ties. The Chinese Government welcomes and
supports the enhancement of exchange and dialogue between
Chinese and European legislatures on the basis of mutual
respect, deeper understanding, seeking common ground while
shelving differences and developing cooperation.
8. Increase exchanges between
political parties in China and the EU
The Chinese Government wishes to see
an increase of exchange and cooperation between the
Communist Party of China and all major EU political parties,
parliamentary party groups and regional organizations of
political parties on the basis of independence, complete
equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each
other's internal affairs.
II. The Economic Aspect
1. Economic Cooperation and Trade
China is committed to developing
dynamic, long-term and stable economic cooperation and trade
with the EU and expects the latter to become China's largest
trading and investment partner.
To
this end, it is important to:
-- Give
play to the mechanism of the economic and trade joint
committee and step up economic and trade regulatory policy
dialogue; give attention to updating the Trade and Economic
Cooperation Agreement Between China and the European Union
at an appropriate time; properly address irrational
restrictions and technical barriers, ease restrictions on
high-tech exports and tap the enormous potential of
technological cooperation and trade in line with the WTO
rules; grant China a full market economy status at an early
date, reduce and abolish anti-dumping and other
discriminatory policies and practices against China, and
apply the Transitional Product-Specific Safeguard Mechanism
(TPSSM) prudently; and compensate the Chinese side for its
economic and trade losses which may arise due to the EU
enlargement.
-- Boost China-EU
coordination and cooperation in the new round of WTO
negotiations and work together for the success of the
negotiations.
-- Strengthen dialogue
on investment, promote the establishment of bilateral
investment-promotion institutions, energetically encourage
and guide mutual investments between enterprises of the two
sides, and expand cooperation between their small- and
medium-sized enterprises; develop processing trade,
contractual projects and labour cooperation of various kinds
and encourage transnational business operation and
internationalised production.
--
China welcomes more EU development aid, especially in such
fields as the environmental protection, poverty-alleviation,
public health and hygiene and education. China also welcomes
a stronger and more active role of the EU in human resources
development, in particular, personnel training for China's
central and western regions and build-up of China's capacity
of participating in multilateral trading regime.
-- Step up cooperation in
the area of quality supervision, inspection and quarantine,
establish appropriate consultation mechanisms and, subject
to the principle of ensuring safety, security, hygiene,
health and environmental protection, promptly address and
resolve issues which may adversely affect market access of
each other's products.
-- Boost the
customs cooperation and conclude a China-EU Customs
Agreement in due course.
2. Financial
Cooperation
China and the EU should
launch a high-level financial dialogue mechanism, expand
exchanges between their central banks on policies and deepen
cooperation in preventing and managing financial crises and
combating the financing of terrorism and money laundering.
The Chinese side welcomes an expansion of China-related
business by banks of the EU countries and hopes to see an
appropriate settlement of the issue of Chinese financial
institutions' access to the EU market.
The Chinese side will positively
examine and consider applications of EU insurance
institutions for business operation in China and improve its
supervisory and regulatory regime in line with the Chinese
insurance laws, regulations and statutes and China's WTO
commitments.
Cooperation in
securities legislation, market supervision and regulation,
and investment operation will be strengthened and more EU
securities institutions, fund management institutions and
other institutional investors will be encouraged to enter
into China's market. Chinese securities institutions will be
encouraged to enter into the EU's securities market when
conditions are ripe. In the meantime, Chinese enterprises
will be strongly supported to raise funds in the EU's
securities market.
3. Agricultural Cooperation
Exchanges between China and the EU in
such fields as agricultural production, processing
technology of agricultural produce and sustainable
development will be intensified. The mechanism of the
agricultural working group should be given a roleto play.
Bilateral cooperation between agricultural research
institutes, universities and colleges as well as enterprises
should be pushed forward. EU Enterprises are encouraged to
take an active part in agricultural development in China's
central and western regions and invest in such fields as
agricultural high and new technologies, intensive processing
of agricultural produce and development of agricultural
infrastructure.
4. Environmental
Cooperation
China-EU communication
and cooperation in environmental protection should be
stimulated and a mechanism of dialogue between the Chinese
and EU environmental ministers launched. Framework documents
on environmental cooperation should be formulated, and
discussions held on the establishment of information network
on environmental cooperation. Bilateral cooperation should
be strengthened on such issues as environmental legislation
and management, climate change, bio-diversity protection,
bio-safety management, and trade and environment. Efforts
should be made to jointly promote the implementation of the
follow-up actions of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg. Non-governmental environmental
protection organizations are encouraged to develop mutual
exchanges. EU enterprises are encouraged to gain more access
to Chinese environmental protection market through fair
competition.
5. IT Cooperation
The Chinese side would like to see
the EU participation in China's IT promotion. The mechanism
of the EU-China working group on information society will be
strengthened. Exchanges and dialogue will be conducted on
strategies, policies, rules and regulations of information
society. Trade in IT products and industrial and
technological cooperation will be actively boosted. Greater
exchanges in intellectual property rights and technical
standards will be encouraged. Cooperation in the field of
"Digital Olympics" will be promoted.
6. Energy Cooperation
China-EU cooperation will be expanded
in such fields as energy structure, clean energy, renewable
energy, and energy efficiency and saving. Exchanges on
energy development policies will be promoted. Efforts will
be made to ensure a successful EU-China Energy Conference.
The energy working group mechanism will be strengthened.
Training on energy technology and cooperation in
demonstration projects will be boosted to promote
application and transfer of technology.
7. Transport Cooperation
A mechanism of China-EU regular
meeting will be set up within the framework of the China-EU
Agreement on Maritime Transport. Cooperation in maritime
transport and other maritime fields will be developed and
coordination and cooperation in international organizations
such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will
be strengthened. Bilateral exchanges will be deepened and
broadened in respect of policies of inland river transport,
navigation safety and shipping standardization. Cooperation
and exchanges in highway technology and management will be
expanded. Dialogue and exchanges on highway transport
legislation will be strengthened.
China-EU exchanges in civil aviation
will be deepened. Chinese and EU enterprises are encouraged
to strengthen their cooperation on production, technology,
management and training.
III. The Education,
Science-Technology, Culture, Health and other Aspects
1. Cooperation in Science and
Technology
It is essential to promote
China-EU scientific and technological cooperation on the
basis of the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity,
sharing of results and protection of intellectual property
rights. Joint development and cooperation on generic
technologies and major technical equipment should be stepped
up and Chinese institutions are encouraged to participate in
the EU Framework Program for Research and Technological
Development. China will, on the premise of equality and
mutual benefit and a balance between interests and
obligations, participate in the Galileo Program and enhance
cooperation in international "big science"
projects. Full play should be given to the role of the
Scientific and Technologic Cooperation Steering Committee
and efforts should be made to ensure a successful
China-Europe Science & Technology and Innovation Policy
Forum. Cooperation between scientific and technological
intermediary agencies of the two sides as well as the
interflow and training ofscientific and technological human
resources should be encouraged. Support should be given to
Chinese and EU enterprises in their involvement in
scientific and technological cooperation.
2. Cultural Exchange
China will be more open in cementing
and deepening its exchangeand cooperation with EU members in
the cultural field and work towards a multi-level and
all-dimensional framework of cultural exchanges between
China and the European Union, EU members and their
respective local governments, and between their peoples and
business communities so as to make it easier for the people
of China and the EU to get to know each other's fine
cultures.
China will establish
Chinese cultural centers in capitals of EU members and the
EU headquarters -- Brussels. On the basis of reciprocity and
mutual benefit, China welcomes the set-up of cultural
centers in Beijing by the EU side. China will encourage high
quality cultural exchange activities and explore new
modalities of cooperation in culture-related industries.
Discussions will be held on the formation of a China-EU
cultural cooperation consultation mechanism and the idea of
jointly holding a China-EU cultural forum.
3. Cooperation in
Education
Exchanges
at all levels will be enhanced and expanded. It is necessary
to establish a China-EU education cooperation consultation
mechanism as appropriate and strengthen cooperation in areas
including mutual recognition of academic credentials and
degrees, exchange of students, language teaching, exchange
of scholarships and teacher training. Work should be done to
make a success of the China-Europe International Business
School and bring forth more top professionals. The teaching
of each other's languages should be encouraged and
supported.
4.
Cooperation in Health and Medical Care
Cooperation in the health sector
should be strengthened, particularly in sharing experience
of prevention and control of SARS, HIV/AIDS and other
serious diseases. Efforts should be made to develop
exchanges in clinical diagnosis and treatment,
epidemiological investigation, analysis and surveillance,
laboratory testing, R&D for medicines and vaccines, and
training of medical personnel. Exploratory endeavor should
be made for the establishment of a mechanism to keep each
other informed and provide technical support in case of
emergent public health hazards.
5. Press Exchange
Exchanges and cooperation will be
boosted between the press and media communities of the two
sides. Chinese and EU media agencies should be encouraged to
enhance mutual understanding and give comprehensive and
unbiased reports of each other. Relevant government
departments or agencies of the two sides should
enhancemutual contact and communication and share practices
and experience in respect of government press release and
the handling of government-media relations.
6. Personnel Exchange
People-to-people exchanges and those
between non-governmental organizations of China and the EU
should be encouraged. China is ready to conclude as early as
possible agreement on designating EU countries as tourism
destinations for outbound Chinese citizens incompliance with
the principles of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit.
China-EU consular cooperation should
be strengthened and expanded. An early solution should be
found through consultations to the problem of difficult
access to entry visas by Chinese citizens and their impeded
entry into EU countries. The legitimate rights and interests
of travelers should be protected. Normal people-to-people
exchanges between China and the EU should be ensured.
It is imperative to combat illegal
migration and human trafficking, strictly enforce laws and
crack down on illegal activities and crimes. The two sides
should increase consultations and coordination and
appropriately handle the question of repatriation and other
issues arising therefrom.
IV. The Social, Judicial
and Administrative Aspects
1. Cooperation in Labor and Social
Security
China and
the EU should strengthen cooperation on employment of legal
immigrants and protection of the rights and interests of
migrant workers and enhance coordination in international
labor affairs. The two sides will negotiate and conclude a
bilateral social security agreement and implement their
joint social security cooperation program as well as broaden
exchanges in social insurance of various
kinds.
2. Exchange in
Judicial Field
It is
necessary to continue with the China-EU cooperation program
in the legal and judicial fields based on equality and
mutual respect, broaden related areas of cooperation,
enhance exchanges in judicial reform and other key areas and
explore cooperation with respect to administration of
justice in combating cross border crimes. The two sides
should do more in sharing experience of legal supervision
and explore the possibility of establishing a mechanism of
annual meeting between their high-level judicial
officials.
3.
Cooperation in Police Affairs
The Chinese side will establish and
strengthen exchanges with relevant EU agencies and EUROPOL,
broaden substantial cooperation with law-enforcement organs
of EU members and step up coordination in case handling and
information sharing within their respective legal framework.
The two sides should support and actively participate in UN
peacekeeping and other activities.
4. Cooperation in Public
Administration
China
and the EU should share experience in transforming
government functions and deepening personnel management
reform, discuss the establishment of a China-EU cooperation
mechanism on personnel and administrative management and
conduct exchanges in civil service system building and human
resources development.
V. The Military
Aspect
China and the
EU will maintain high-level military-to-military exchanges,
develop and improve, step by step, a strategic security
consultation mechanism, exchange more missions of military
experts, and expand exchanges in respect of military
officers' training and defense studies.
The EU should lift its ban on arms
sales to China at an early date so as to remove barriers to
greater bilateral cooperation on defense industry and technologies.