Brussels, 14/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission is to present a communication identifying the main actions to be undertaken in coming years to make the Community's policy towards China more effective, not only in the human rights field but also in the economic and political field. EUROPE has reason to believe that, while confirming the general objectives defined in 1998, the document proposed at the instigation of External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, just a few days before his departure for Beijing and with a view to the Europe-China summit on 5 September this year, suggests relations should be redefined according to the following priorities:
Contribute to the development of an open society in China by focusing dialogue more on human rights and by gearing it to concrete results, including on concerns expressed by the EU Council in January. This would entail working with Beijing to support reforms in progress, carrying out assistance programmes in the field of human rights (rule of law; legal reform; economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights; democracy), and extending European assistance, including to torture prevention.
Integrate China more into the international community through political dialogue initiated in 1994 with Beijing, ensuring greater coherence and continuity in the programming of talks at every level, with greater focus of dialogue between experts on questions of particular interest, improving the preparation of dialogue at various levels and coordinating such dialogue, integrating related global issues, envisaging the issue of European-Chinese texts on questions of common interest on the fringe of the Summits, and codifying the framework for political dialogue.
Integrate China more into the global economic system by finalisation of its accession to WTO, monitoring the implementation of its multilateral agreements and implementing Community aid programmes to this effect, strengthening existing dialogue and sectoral agreements (information society, environment, energy, science and technology) and the extension of cooperation (company policy, standards and industrial certification, customs, maritime transport, competition), strengthening dialogue between the Chinese and European business circles and on trade disputes.
Optimise cooperation programmes with China, by promoting long-term planning, adopting a strategy document for this country and gearing assistance to the economic and social reform process, sustainable development, good governance and the rule of law.
Enhancing the Union's image in China by strengthening information policy in this connection.