Maintaining the momentum of high-level European contacts with China on both the political and economic levels, the European Union officials charged with both trade and foreign and security made scheduled but timely visit to Beijing in mid-March to explain European policy and grapple with emerging problem areas.

In a move that could set off a chain reaction, China became the first country in Asia to manifest its ongoing concern about the possible consequences of the EU’s planned enlargement by demanding compensation for any negative impact on its trade or other interests.

Continuing the momentum to reinforce the country’s bilateral relations in Asia, French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin in early March undertook a high-profile visit to Japan with a key objective to turn an apparent of discord over policy toward Iraq into a collaboration.

EU-China relations develop joint interests

by Shada Islam

Relations between the EU and China are stronger and more dynamic than ever before, driven primarily by mutual economic interests but also by both sides’ ambitions to play a bigger global political role than in the past. The EU is looking to increase its presence in China in the hope that some of the country’s economic buoyancy will rub off on Europe. China, as illustrated by its expanding web of economic deals with its neighbours, clearly also wants to be recognised as a more active world player. “We are partners, we share responsibilities,” European Commission President Romano Prodi said at the EU-China summit in Beijing last November.