Fruits of long-term friendship

Owing to differences in history, culture, social system and stage of development, China and Europe have differences in some areas. This is natural. What is important is to view China, the EU and China-Europe relations from a positive, long-term and overall perspective. To build a mature, stable and healthy China-Europe relationship, we should adhere to the following principles:

Mutual respect

Given their differences in social system, cultural background and history, it is particularly important for China and Europe to respect each other. Only with mutual respect can we rise above differences in ideology, political system and development model and build an equal partnership. China respects the choice of political system and development model made by the people of EU member countries. Similarly, we hope that the EU will respect China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and Chinese people's independent choices, and work with us to sustain the sound growth of China-Europe relations.

Mutual trust

Many problems between China and Europe result from a lack of mutual understanding and trust. We hope that the EU will truly appreciate that China's development is an opportunity rather than a challenge to EU members. Only with such a firm belief can we lay a stronger foundation of mutual trust. China asks the EU to lift the arms embargo against China and recognize China's market economy status. In essence, this is an issue of whether there is mutual trust. We hope the EU will make the right political decision at an early date.

Consultation on an equal basis

China and Europe do not agree on everything. But if we engage in consultation on an equal basis and seek common ground while putting aside differences, the problems between us are not difficult to resolve. There are over 230 dialogue and consultation mechanisms between China and the EU, which can well manage the problems in our cooperation. As to problems that cannot be resolved for the time being, we should find ways to address them over time.

Mutual benefit

The problems in China-Europe relations have occurred in the course of growth and progress. As long as we deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, expand common interests and further enrich and strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership, we will be able to settle these problems and create win-win outcomes.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Next year will be the 40th year of China-Germany diplomatic ties. We Chinese have a saying, "At the age of 40, one has no doubts about the world." And that is exactly how I feel about China-Germany relations. These relations have matured. To strengthen these relations is good for both our nations, good for the EU, and good for the rest of the world. The German Enlightenment thinker Gottfried Leibnitz observed in the Novissima Sinica that, "The two sides both have the abilities they could usefully share with each other". Deng Xiaoping also said that, "Europe and Asia are actually one continent. You are in the west, we are in the east. And we are connected by far more factors than people realize." Let us keep on pursuing mutual benefit with unshakable commitment and confidence and work hard to till the fertile soil of China-Europe friendship. I am convinced that the seeds of friendship we have sown together will grow into giant trees, and our win-win cooperation will bear rich fruit.

Thank you.

(China Daily 06/30/2011 page8)

Previous Page 1 2 3 4 Next Page

Previous Page 1 2 3 4 Next Page