China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation

( Xinhua ) Updated: 2013-11-23 19:38:08

IV. PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES

People-to-people exchanges are an essential vector of peace, while contributing to economic development. Together China and the EU represent over a quarter of the world's population. Expanding contacts between peoples on both sides is crucial to enhance common understanding and foster cross-fertilization between societies.

Key initiatives:

(I) Culture, education and youth

1. Fully harness the leading role of the China-EU High Level People-to-People Dialogue (HPPD) and promote the role of people-to-people exchanges as the third pillar of China-EU relations. Pursue the objectives set up in the China-EU HPPD Joint Declaration. Carry out the actions agreed in the "HPPD Follow-up Actions" document and seek new ways of strengthening their cooperation.

2. Anchor cultural cooperation on the principles of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Upgrade dialogue on culture policy, and strengthen mutual cooperation in the fields of cultural industries, heritage preservation and contemporary art. Continue to promote intellectual exchanges between the two sides in various forms and fora, including the China-EU High Level Cultural Forum.

3. Based on the principle of equality and friendship, encourage China and EU Member States to establish cultural centers. Boost long-term and stable cooperation between major cultural institutions and between important art festivals.

4. Encourage the learning of the Chinese language and EU languages in the education systems of the EU and China.

5. Expand students and scholars exchange, and support mutual exchange visits of young people. Work together on the China-EU Youth Policy Dialogue and the China-EU Symposia on Youth Work Development. Continue to implement the China-EU Youth Partnership for Friendship Program supported by China, and the EU Youth Actions under Erasmus+.

6. Continue dialogue on education policy, notably in the framework of the Higher Education Platform for Cooperation and Exchanges, and strengthen the compatibility of China's and the EU's education systems, via "Tuning China" and other initiatives.

7. Continue to support the establishment of centers for Chinese studies and centers for European national and regional studies by European and Chinese institutions.

8. Promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the EU in the fields of press, publication, radio, film and television.

(II) Facilitation of people-to-people exchanges

1. Welcome the launch of the 2013 China-EU Mobility and Migration Dialogue, and continue to explore ways of facilitating exchanges for Chinese and EU citizens, including mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, while strengthening cooperation on illegal migration.

2. Implement the 2013 Joint Statement in the field of sustainable tourism by China and the EU; in particular, set up a regular China-EU Tourism Dialogue and information exchange mechanism on respective initiatives and best practices in the development of sustainable tourism; facilitate exchange of information on the safety protection of tourists; and promote tourist flows, including the development of common projects.