On May 6, 2004, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with the President of European Commission (EC) Romano Prodi at the EC headquarters. The two sides exchanged views in an in-depth manner on further enriching and developing China-EU comprehensive partnership.

Wen Jiabao congratulated the EU for its expansion of the largest scale in history. He said China supports the integration of the EU and would like to see the EU play a more active role in European and international affairs. The Chinese government has always been viewing and developing China-EU relations from a strategic perspective and China-EU relations occupy an important position in China's foreign policy.

Wen Jiabao proposed five-point proposals on further promoting the development of China-EU relations.

First, to enhance discussions on strategic issues between Chinese and EU leaders. The two sides need to conduct dialogue and consultation on China-EU relations after the EU's enlargement, establishment of a just and fair international order, the enhancement of the role of the United Nations, counter terrorism, non-proliferation as well as the crackdown of cross-border crimes. Meanwhile, the two sides need to maintain close contact and collaboration in important issues such as the process of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and multilateral trade negotiations.

Second, to expand China-EU economic and technological cooperation. China and the EU have already enjoyed a good start in the cooperation of high-tech. Relevant cooperative projects should be implemented as early as possible and cooperation in a wider range of areas should be conducted.

Third, to improve the legal basis and assurance mechanisms for China-EU cooperation. While ensuring the smooth development of existing cooperation mechanisms, China would like to discuss with the EU the signature of China-EU Partner Cooperation Agreement through consultation.

Fourth, to boost comprehensive exchanges between China and the EU. The Chinese side would like to actively explore the establishment of various forms of dialogue mechanisms between the parliaments, academic and research institutions as well as press and media

Fifth, to improve consultation mechanisms on the effective settlement of differences. China stands ready to continue to enhance dialogue and cooperation with the EU on economic and trade issues as well as human rights in the principle of mutual respect and treating each other as equals.

Prodi warmly welcomed Premier Wen for his first visit to the EU and agreed with his views on EU-China relations. He said EU-China ties have been developing much faster than the rapidly growing bilateral economic and trade relations. Last year, the two sides decided to develop comprehensive strategic partnership. The EU will adopt substantive steps to push forward the comprehensive development of the relations. As strategic partners, the EU and China will contribute to world peace and stability.

During the talks, Wen Jiabao introduced the situation of China's economic development. He noted that after more two decades of reform and opening up, China has basically established a socialist market economy. It is hoped that the EU can pay sufficient attention to this fact and recognize China as a full market economy at the earliest date. Prodi indicated that the member countries of the EU are carefully examining and reviewing the issue and the EC will make active efforts to promote an early resolution.

On May 5, Wen Jiabao met with Janvier Solana, Secretary-General of the Council of the EU and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The two sides exchanged views on China-EU relations, the Middle-East issue, the Iraqi question as well as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.