Britain supports lift of EU arms embargo on China, Straw

Britain strongly supports the lift of EU arms embargo on China and EU's recognition of China's market economy status, and will continue to make efforts on the two questions, said British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw when talking about EU-China relations, who is on his second visit to China in the last three years.

Jack Straw made the remark at a seminar entitled "Multilateral Reponses to Global Challenges--An Agenda for 2005" held Friday afternoon at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), which is jointly organized by CASS and the Foreign Policy Center of UK.

"Britain and China: A Growing Global Partnership"

Straw firstly expressed his solidarity with the families of the eight Chinese hostages kidnapped in Iraq.

Lauding exchanges across the border, such as the fast-growing trade, continued dialogues on human rights and other topics, cooperation in science and technology, and contacts between high-level leaders, he spoke highly of the telephone talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Britain and China is of much benefit to both sides as well as the world, in which the countries are growing more and more inter-dependent. He especially commended China¡¯s first and unprecedented responses to the tsunami-hit countries.

Straw mentioned two challenges of globalization, in economy and foreign policies.

The Foreign Secretary said that people should exploit opportunity out of the global market but not merely seek protection. As one of the successful European economies, Britain is determined to meet the challenge of globalization with its edges such as in service sector and manufacturing.

Straw said nowadays the international community welcomes a successful China, which is an opportunity for all.

The global challenge in foreign policies is mainly seen in maintaining domestic and world safety. Straw said China is playing a crucial part in the world's combat against terrorism and is doing more and more contribution to the peacekeeping mission.

Internationally, Britain and China are working together in helping the Untied Nations to deal with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the nuclear issue of Iran.

Straw proposed that Britain and China focus efforts on the reform of the United Nations, on a better future of Africa and on tackling the threat from global climate change.

Barriers between China-Europe relations must be removed

However, Wu said, a best phase of development doesn't mean there is no obstacles. The EU arms embargo hurts the interests of both Europe and China, and we hope it can be lifted during the first half of this year. Besides, we also expect Britain to do more in pushing EU's recognition of China's market economy status, especially as EU president since July this year.

Straw responded positively to these two questions, pledging more efforts but also stressing that the decision must be based on consensus of the 25 EU Commission members.

China-Britain relations enter "mature" period: Premier

"The leaders of the two countries have treated bilateral ties from long-term and strategic perspectives to make the relations develop steadily and enriched with new contents," said Wen in a meeting with Straw.

Wen said China and Britain, both permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, shoulder common responsibility for safeguarding world peace and development.

He said China will maintain high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields with Britain to push forward their comprehensive and strategic partnership.

Wen expressed appreciation for Britain's adherence to one-China policy.

Straw said China and its relationship with Britain have made remarkable achievements since he visited China two and a half years ago, noting that the two countries established comprehensive and strategic partnership last May when Premier Wen visited Britain.

The two countries have kept close contact on international and regional issues, Straw said, adding that Britain is willing to expand cooperation with China in all fields including political and economic areas.

Earlier this day, Straw signed an agreement with He Guangwei, director general of the China National Tourism Administration, making Britain an approved tourism destination for Chinese travelers. "We welcome more Chinese to come and see our country," said the British foreign secretary.

By People's Daily Online