Friends from the press,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon. I am very pleased to meet you with President Barroso. Let me once again extend a warm welcome to President Barroso, High Representative Ashton and the EU commissioners.

This is the first high-level meeting between China and the EU since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the formation of the new European Commission. It is also a continuation of the previous dialogues between Chinese and EU leaders. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-EU relations and major international issues, and reached broad consensus.

I wish to stress the following points:

First, we face valuable opportunities for enhancing China-EU strategic cooperation. China and the EU established the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2003. This historic decision has a significant and profound impact on our joint response to the international financial crisis and global challenges. There is no conflict of fundamental interests or unsettled major historical issues between China and the EU. We both stand for world multipolarity and cultural diversity. We both believe that decisions for major international affairs should be made in a democratic, open and transparent manner. And we both believe it is important to strengthen the role of the United Nations, increase the representation of developing countries in major international institutions, support free trade and more stringent international financial supervision and regulation, and advance international cooperation on climate change. China and the EU have far more consensus than differences in improving global governance. We should continue to view our common interests from a strategic perspective, strengthen coordination and collaboration and work together to build a new international political and economic order.

Second, we should enhance mutual understanding, trust and support. China has made considerable progress in the course of reform and opening up. And China's overall strength and international standing have significantly risen. That being said, the Chinese Government and leaders are keenly aware of the problems and challenges China faces. We are firmly committed to reform and opening up and the path of peaceful development. We have full confidence in the future of China and the Chinese nation. China will undertake greater international responsibilities. This not only meets the expectations of the international community, but also serves China's own interests.

History tells us that when pursuing a great cause, we could never expect a smooth sail or reach the destination overnight. That is how we see our own development. That is also how we see the development of the European Union. China firmly supports the efforts of European countries for self-enhancement through unity, and has never interfered in the EU's internal affairs. We believe Europe is an independent pole in the world and a strong EU can play a more positive role in promoting world peace and development. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China and the EU should always join hands and forge ahead like passengers in the same boat. And we should strengthen cultural, youth and media exchanges to consolidate the popular basis for China-EU relations.

Third, we should expand practical cooperation in all fields. Although the international financial crisis has seriously affected our economies, the advantage of our cooperation has not changed and there is still much potential. Both China and Europe are making active adjustments to development strategies, with greater focus on balanced socio-economic development, scientific innovation and sustainable development. This has opened up broader prospects for our bilateral cooperation. China-EU cooperation should be anchored on economic cooperation and trade and driven by high-tech cooperation. We should take green economy as a priority in our cooperation and bring into full play the primary role of enterprises and the steering role of the market.

China and the EU should make joint efforts to achieve the overall balance and sustainable growth of the bilateral trade. China will continue to send trade and investment promotion missions to EU countries and increase imports from Europe. We will also consider setting up a special fund to encourage SME cooperation between the two sides.

The EU should recognize China's full market economy status as soon as possible so that Chinese enterprises can receive fair treatment in competition. We hope that the EU will simplify visa procedures for Chinese businessmen, enable equivalence of our public audit oversight systems, remove various barriers and provide a more appealing environment and conditions for Chinese enterprises to expand trade with and investment in Europe.