Brussels, 10/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU and China have agreed to strengthen their cooperation on international issues. Beijing has reiterated, moreover, its support for the stability of the eurozone.
Security dialogue. Meeting during the third session of the EU/China strategic dialogue, in Beijing on Monday 9 July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and China's State Councillor for Foreign Policy Dai Bingguo decided to step up cooperation between the two strategic partners on international issues, by intensifying dialogue on global and regional areas of common interest, including consultation and meetings at every level, and by establishing regular dialogue on defence and security policy. The parties also stressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation in anti-piracy naval escorts.
China will not budge on Iran or Syria. Regarding zones of tension in the world, Dai was keen to impress upon Ashton that it was necessary to keep to the unshakeable principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. Such is the case for Syria, on which Beijing continues to place its veto on UN Security Council resolutions condemning the Syrian government, and refusing to be associated with international calls on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down. The Chinese official said it is very important to seek to settle the various international issues through peaceful means, dialogue and cooperation. On the Iranian nuclear programme, China remains opposed to any sanctions against Tehran, and defends its right to buy Iranian oil. Exports of Iranian oil to the EU have been under an embargo since 1 July.
Beijing boasts of progress on human rights. Dai Bingguo informed Catherine Ashton of China's “historic achievements” with regard to human rights. During a brief speech before the press, which was part of an open exchange of views, High Representative Ashton said they had spoken of the rights of individuals, the protection of vulnerable groups and the importance of rule of law.
China maintains it supports the eurozone. Published after the meeting, the joint statement reaffirms China's “support for European integration, Europe's efforts to solve its debt crisis, and the stability of the eurozone”. Ashton told the press how delighted she was that China interprets the result of the last European Council on 28 and 29 June as proof of Europe's determination to resolve questions linked to the sovereign debt of several of its member states. Dai assured Ashton of his country's “determination” to support Europe in resolving the sovereign debt crisis, saying he was convinced the EU has sufficient wisdom and ability to overcome its current difficulties. (EH/transl.jl)