MOVING CLOSER

In recent years, China-EU relations have made significant progress in various fields. The two sides have more views in common on the concepts of international relations and more common interests in economic cooperation and trade. We have intensified people-to-people and cultural exchange and stepped up cooperation to meet international challenges. At present, China is actively readjusting the economic growth model, adhering to a comprehensive, balanced and sustainable path of development. The EU’s Lisbon Treaty will take effect soon and the integration process is facing more new opportunities. The 12th China-EU summit, which takes place at this crucial period for the respective development of China and the EU, will focus on discussing important subjects of China-EU relations, climate change and the international financial crisis. It will strategize our cooperation and provide important guidance to the future development of China-EU relations.

This is the time of big change and readjustment of the world situation. Being two important forces on the ascendancy, China and the EU need to take a historical, strategic and global perspective and reflect on some long-term issues, such as how we shall build a closer, more harmonious and more stable China-EU relationship, and through that, work together for world peace and prosperity and contribute to the development and progress of mankind.

"Nothing is impossible for a willing heart”. The Summit serves a good mechanism for directing relation building and preparing the blueprint. But to translate good wishes into substantial results, it requires both sides to make great effort on top of a willing heart.

First, we must have confidence. "Confidence is more precious than gold." In face of complex and volatile international situation, emerging global challenges and so many hand-wrenching issues in the world, no country is able to deal with them successfully by acting alone. China and the EU have no choice but to navigate through the hard wave together, by upholding equality, accommodating the other’s concerns, seeking common ground while shelving differences. This is where our confidence on our partnership comes from.

Secondly, we must have ambition. "For a grander sight, one needs to rise to a higher level." The rapid development of China-EU relations has laid a good foundation for further deepening bilateral cooperation. Under new circumstances and with new requirements, we need to draw a new blueprint for advancing our comprehensive strategic partnership, which promotes more ambitious cooperation.

Thirdly, we must have determination. “When sailing against the current, either we mover forward, or we will move backward”. Some irritants in China-EU relations are not excuse for inaction. Instead, both sides should be determined to remove obstacles and ready for action to overcome difficulties. And both sides should make effort to enhance mutual understanding and create more incentives and opportunities for cooperation.

Fourthly, we must have perseverance. “Without perseverance, willingness might waver; with perseverance, commitments never falter”. The general trend of the world has determined the strategic, comprehensive and long-term nature of China-EU partnership. It calls for both China and the EU to abandon short-termism. On the contrary, we should always cherish and promote our relationship, not to be disturbed by any singular events.

I firmly believe that with our joint efforts, China-EU relations will have an even more promising future.