EU gains from China's rise: official

David O'Sullivan, chief operating officer of the European External Action Service (EEAS), makes a speech during a welcome dinner for the Chinese delegation to the third China-EU High Level Political Parties Forum in Brussels, May 29, 2012.

Brussels - David O'Sullivan, chief operating officer of the European External Action Service (EEAS), said the EU-China relationship is "in good shape, broader and deeper than before."

O'Sullivan made the statement during a welcome dinner for the Chinese delegation to the third China-EU High Level Political Parties Forum in Brussels, which runs from May 29 to 31.

EU sees China playing a major role in shaping the 21st century, EU will gain from China's rise, and EU also has contributed to China's success.

He said the connection between China and EU is getting stronger but measures need to be taken to further the cooperation.

EU and China share similarities in growth strategies, such as the focus on green economy and sustainable development of resources, so it is important to coordinate policies with a global view, he added.