The European Commission agreed this week on an ambitious new agenda for EU-China relations for the coming years.

"Getting the partnership between Europe and China right is a key challenge for this Commission and the EU," said Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner. "Our new China initiative represents an ambitious agenda. To tackle the key challenges facing Europe today-like climate change, economic growth, migration, and international security–we need to leverage the potential of a dynamic relationship with China. Our joint goal should be to join efforts and offer joint solutions to today's global problems. Today's Communication offers an important backdrop to negotiations for a new EU-China Framework Agreement, which I will launch in China early in the New Year."

The EU says its fundamental approach to China remains one of engagement and partnership. A closer strategic partnership means mutual responsibilities increase. This new initiative sets out a comprehensive approach, identifying as priorities support for China's transition towards a more open and pluralistic society, sustainable development, including cooperation with China on energy issues, climate change and international development; trade and economic relations; strengthening bilateral cooperation, including on science and technology, and migration; and the promotion of international security, both in East Asia and beyond and more broadly on non-proliferation issues. It is accompanied by a trade policy paper setting out the challenges of our trade and investment relations in more detail.

The EU and China account for a quarter of the world's population. China is the world's fourth largest economic power, the third biggest exporter and has increasing international political weight. The EU says as CHina grows it is entering a new and challenging period of its economic and social reform process. Europe has a major political and economic stake in supporting China's full and successful transition into a prosperous, stable and open country, embracing the rule of law and free market principles.

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