Brussels, 14/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - The eurozone debt crisis, bilateral trade relations and international security issues will be the main points on the agenda of the EU/China annual summit on 19 and 20 September in Brussels. The Chinese delegation will be headed by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
“The two sides will exchange views in an in-depth manner on upgrading China-EU practical cooperation and deepening the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership”, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, said on Friday. He went on to add: “Against the backdrop of the continuing international financial crisis and the European debt issue, the meeting will be important to China-EU relations and will send a positive signal in promoting strong, sustainable and balanced world economic growth”.
Prime Minister Wen had given his assurance to German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Beijing end August that China would continue to invest in the EU, while the debt crisis continues to be a burden on trade. Nonetheless, there is tension hanging over the upcoming meeting regarding trade, since the Commission's decision, despite the reticence shown by Merkel, to investigate into suspected dumping practice relating to Chinese exports to the EU of solar panels and their photovoltaic components, trade which amounted to €21 billion in 2011 (see EUROPE 10683). Also, the threat of an investigation into Beijing's subsidies for Chinese telecoms equipment is still looming. In July this year, China had also expressed impatience not only about the fact that the EU arms embargo was still in place but also about the slowness with which it was being granted market economy status (EUROPE 10654).
Exports from China to the EU fell 4.9% for the period January-August 2012, while its imports from Europe rose 3.1% over the same period. (EH/transl.jl)