Foreign and Military Affairs

China will undertake more global role: Wen

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-30 06:35

BEIJING: China will shoulder more international responsibilities as it is the aspiration of the international community and in China's own interest, too, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Thursday afternoon.

Wen made the remarks while meeting the press with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso after talks at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen said China has made remarkable achievement in reform, but that Chinese leaders remain clear-minded about the challenges the country faces.

"We are determined to pursue reform and opening up and peaceful development and are confident in the future of the country and its people," he said.

China supports the self-strengthening efforts of European nations, Wen said.

He noted China has never interfered in the internal affairs of the European Union (EU).

He expressed his belief in the EU as an independent pole in the international arena which plays a constructive role for world peace and development.

"No matter what changes take place in the world, China and the EU will work together to meet challenges and progress together," Wen said.

Stressing the enhancement of China-EU strategic cooperation, Wen said there are no fundamental conflicts of interest or major outstanding historical issues between China and the EU.

China and the EU agree on far more than they disagree on in terms of improving global governance, Wen said.
Both sides should view their common interests from a strategic perspective, he added.

They should also boost coordination to promote the establishment of a new international political and economic order, he said.

China is ready to coordinate with the EU on major world economic and financial issues in the G20 and other important multi-lateral organizations, Wen said.

China and the EU should work together to realize balanced and sustainable increases in bilateral trade, he said.

China wants to continue sending trade and investment promotion missions to EU nations, he said.

It also wants to see increased imports from the EU.

China also plans to establish special funds to encourage cooperation between Chinese and EU small- and medium-sized enterprises, he said.

Wen also called on the EU to fully recognize China as a market economy at an early date, simplify visa procedures for Chinese businessmen entering Europe, and realize equivalence in auditing public regulation systems.

Regarding climate change, China will work hard to realize its targets for controlling greenhouse gas emissions regardless of difficulty, Wen said.

China will work with the EU and negotiate on the basis of "common but differentiated responsibilities," Wen added.

China is dedicated to safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation system and the peace and stability of the Middle East, he said.

China will keep communicating with parties involved in the Iranian nuclear issue in a responsible and constructive manner to bring an early resolution to the issue, he added.

Barroso is paying an official visit to China. He will attend the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo after his time in Beijing.