Brussels, 18/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the EU25 heads of state confirmed the strategic importance of the partnerships between the European Union and countries in Asia. The EU was instructed to continue its partnership with China and develop a strategy with India based on mutual understanding and dialogue, according to the European Council's conclusions. The European Commission recently adopted a Communication listing the main aspects of the cooperation it is planning to develop with India (see EUROPE of 17 June). As for China, the heads of state urged the Council of Ministers to continue examining the question of the arms embargo within the framework of the EU's overall relations with China (the embargo has been in place since the repression of the Tianenmen Square demonstrations in 1989). The EU-Japan Summit in Tokyo on Tuesday will illustrate the continued importance of relations between the EU and Japan, another strategic partner in the region (see p.14).