China and EU need mutual strategic support

By Cui Hongjian Source:Global Times Published: 2015-5-5 23:33:01

The fifth round of the China-EU high-level strategic dialogue, co-hosted by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, is being held in Beijing.

The two sides will exchange views on strategic, political and diplomatic issues of common concern. As this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and EU's predecessor, the European Community, the timing has endowed this round of talks the unusual significance.

Over the years, substantial changes have taken place in the international arena. There has been fierce game between powers sticking to independent development and win-win cooperation and the force stuck with zero-sum mindset. Yet China and the Europe deem each other as positive strength of peacekeeping, and have set up the goal to build a strategic partnership featuring peace, growth, reform and civilization, which have brought bilateral ties to a new level.

Both China and the EU are entering a crucial time of development and reform. The improvement of bilateral strategic ties will not only create a favorable external environment, but also help the two sides to promote a more comprehensive understanding and mutual trust of each other.

A vital function of Sino-EU high-level strategic dialogues is providing advice for the agendas and themes of forthcoming annual China-EU summit. Therefore, during this round of talks, apart from brainstorming for leadership from both sides on further implementing the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, the participants will discuss how to collaborate and seek strategic consensus under the strategic conception of "One Belt and One Road."

The most recent European Parliament election and EU institutional changes came at a time when the European countries face major tests of economy, politics and security. It needs not only to introduce massive investment plans, build digital single market, set up European energy alliance, strengthen economic and monetary union against economic challenges, but also insist on open market and social inclusion under the pressure of the rising extreme political thoughts, while ensuring internal and external stability.

In the light of this, China, as EU's most significant economic, trade and strategic partner, is an essential external support that could help the EU achieve these goals.

Likewise, the deepening reform and opening-up of China is also in need of strategic cooperation and support from the EU. According to the document Vision and Actions on Jointly Building the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the "One Belt and One Road" runs through the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, "connecting the vibrant East Asia economic circle at one end and the developed European economic circle at the other, and encompassing countries with huge potential for economic development. The Silk Road Economic Belt focuses on bringing together China, Central Asia, Russia and Europe; linking China with the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea through Central Asia and West Asia; and connecting China with Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Indian Ocean. The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is designed to go from China's coast to Europe through the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean in one route."

The essence of the "One Belt and One Road" initiative is to promote cooperation among Asia, Europe and Africa. Thus, China and the EU should better coordinate the development strategies of both sides under the principle of "jointly building it through consultation to meet the interests of all," in order to push forward the bilateral strategic collaboration.

The author is director of the Department of European Studies, China Institute of International Studies. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn



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