Brussels, 07/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - In not wishing to reveal to press the outcome of the 13th EU-China Summit in Brussels on Wednesday 6 October after their meeting, European and Chinese leaders caused questions to be asked about the warmth of discussions, which are usually rather conciliatory. After carefully avoiding discussion of issues liable to raise contention at previous summits, European leaders changed their strategy this week, openly criticising the under-valuation of the yuan, unfair Chinese trade practices and the treatment out dealt to European firms in China.
Following the major disappointment on Tuesday among EU monetary leaders - Eurogroup President Jena-Claude Juncker, ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn - over the slow appreciation of the value of the yuan, there can be no doubt that the frank comments made directly to him by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Barroso must have somewhat discomfited their Chinese guest Wen Jiabao.
Before the Chinese prime minister reacted strongly to European criticism about the yuan at the EU-China economic forum before the summit, calling on the EU to stop pressing for a revaluation of the Chinese currency, Barroso had not hesitated to compare open Europe to a China where there could be greater openness, quoting a critical report from the European Chamber of Commerce in China. The Commission president also pointed to gaps in industrial and intellectual property protection in China and expressed reservations about the new Chinese innovation policy, which, it is feared, will make China more anti-foreign.
The joint comments by Van Rompuy and Barroso published after the summit confirm a shift in the way European leaders acted towards their Chinese counterparts. The EU-China Strategic Partnership signed in 2003 “needs to be developed, in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit (…) As in any true partnership, the EU and China have commonalities but also differences of approach. This should not impede our joint will to bring the relationship to a higher level. We should be ambitious and make sincere efforts to achieve progress on key issues of mutual concern,” they state. The two report that they told Wen of their “desire to expand trade and investment and the need for a level playing field in China for our businesses”, indicating that they had highlighted the importance of improved access to the Chinese market, a better environment for investment, more effective enforcement of intellectual property rights and the opening up of Chinese public procurement. In a wider context, Van Rompuy and Barroso also insisted that “structural reforms in Europe and China were essential, and highlighted the role of appropriate exchange rates”. They say they had an open discussion with their Chinese guest on the rule of law and human rights, indicating they had pressed China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The final statement adopted jointly by the EU and China after the summit is much less revealing. In it, EU and Chinese leaders highlight their commitment to a new phase in relations. They say they agreed to closer discussions on how to promote bilateral trade and investment, removing commercial barriers and ensuring a climate that favours new trade and investment development. The text also talks of a convergence of views on global financial stability and reform of IMF quotas. On climate, they say only that they would enhance their cooperation in renewable energy and pursue talks to achieve a balanced outcome at the Cancún conference. (E.H.)
Culture ideal vehicle for consolidating dialogue between peoples
Culture is an excellent way to open dialogue and build solid links with others. It is a wonderful vehicle for deepening relations on all levels with third countries. That was the message delivered by the European Commission to its Chinese counterparts at the opening of the EU-China High-Level Cultural Forum. “In the last 35 years, we have built a strong relationship. We need a bridge between our cultures and our peoples that will help us understand and learn from each other,” said Commission President José Manuel Barroso. “Europe and China share common goals. We both want peace and prosperity for the people of our countries and the rest of the world. Our cultural richness uplifts and unites us,” stated Culture Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou. The Forum took place in Brussels on 6 October, on the sidelines of the 13th EU-China Summit and brought together some 60 Chinese and European academics. Discussion focused principally on the organisation of the year of EU-China intercultural dialogue, to be celebrated in 2012. The idea of an annual EU-China cultural forum was born at a previous summit, held in Nanjing, in November 2009. (I.L./transl.rt)