Brussels, 02/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - China has been luke-warm about conciliation with the EU on the dossier of opening up public procurement to competition. Beijing is mainly concerned about the rise of protectionism in Europe, and continues to call for progressive revaluation of the yuan.
At an invitation from the European Parliament's committee on international trade to present Beijing's views on relations with the EU27, on Thursday 2 December, China's ambassador to the EU, Song Zhe, speaking through an interpreter from Mandarin to English, showed only lack-lustre willingness for conciliation on the opening up of public markets. “Premier Wen Jiabao has promised he will make steady steps to make improvements in these areas and for foreign businesses to grow in China. We will fulfil what we have promised”, Song assured. The Chinese representative did not linger on the issue, going on to deplore the rising protectionism in Europe and antidumping measures adopted by the European Union. He also reaffirmed that, while remaining committed to reforming his currency's exchange regime, Beijing will do this alone and will take the decision to do so. “It is not objective and it is unfair to put the blame of domestic unemployment (Ed: in Europe) … on the undervalued renminbi”, Song said, adding that the appreciation of the yuan cannot help to reabsorb global imbalances. He did promise, however, that China will continue to reform its currency while warning of the impact that yuan revaluation would have on the profitability of European companies operating in China. Finally, the Chinese ambassador spoke of his country's resolve to help the EU overcome the slowdown in its economic activity. “China has stood by the side of Europe to tide over the difficulties. Our support for Europe is mutually beneficial and win-win”, Song continued, promising, moreover, substantial opening of Chinese markets to foreign participation in the services, finance, education, healthcare, ICT and sports sectors. (E.H./transl.jl)