Brussels, 22/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 22 February, Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson began a three-day visit to China to discuss the future high-level mechanism for dialogue on the economy and trade with the new Chinese Trade Minister, Cheng Deming. The decision to create this mechanism was taken at the most recent EU/China Summit, held at the end of November 2007 (EUROPE 9553). The operability of this new mechanism, which will bring together high-ranking civil servants of the European Commission and of the Chinese Council of State, to discuss short- and long-term strategic economic and trade issues (economic cooperation, trade disputes and relationships in terms of investment), is scheduled for next spring. “The EU hopes to build a commitment with China, concentrating on our mutual strategic interests and increasing our mutual confidence to resolve our trade disputes quickly and constructively”, Mr Mandelson explained before he set off. (E.H.)