Increasing interdependence demands closer EU-China cooperation

Mutual prosperity is a key component of our relations, and so is the Strategic Dialogue on foreign and security issues in our regions and around the globe, so far the two pillars of our cooperation.

In addition to government-to-government relations we need to go deeper and wider and reach out to our peoples. This is the reason we will launch the new "People-to-People Dialogue". Its main goal is to promote friendship and better knowledge between our 1.8 billion citizens through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences. This will be henceforth the third pillar our cooperation.

The way our societies and economies interact has the potential to transform our partnership and relations between our peoples. That is a reason to engage in discussions on today's and tomorrow's challenges, such as energy security, cyber security, innovation and urbanisation. On the latter, a new partnership will prolong the spirit of Shanghai Expo – Better City, Better Life – and put China and Europe on a joint learning curve towards the emergence of sustainable and liveable cities.

The remarkable scale and speed of China's development has had an enormous impact on the world and Europe, and the image of China has become an everyday feature for our societies and public opinions. China's public image will be shaped by factors going beyond its economic performance, which has been crucial in lifting many millions out of poverty: benefiting from an open and interdependent world implies a greater responsibility in contributing to its stability as well. Safeguarding Human Rights and the Rule of Law is part of this. China and the EU have both signed up to the international instruments that enshrine the universal values of human rights, and we have a shared responsibility to uphold them. This work is among the core values the European Union is built on. China's contribution to implementing the universal principles of Human Rights and Rule of Law will be an important element shaping its global public reputation.

On the eve of the 14th EU-China Summit, we are confident that the Summit will be a successful one, bringing a positive message to our peoples and to the world that the EU and China stand ready to bring our strategic partnership to new heights for the benefit not only of us , but of the wider world.

Herman Van Rompuy is president of the European Council and José Manuel Barroso is president of the European Commission.