Party groups of the European Parliament (EP) on Tuesday extended welcome to the deal reached on Monday between the European Union (EU) and China on releasing some 80 million Chinese garments that are blocked at EU borders.

"This will end the uncertainty period for European businesses and consumers while preserving the original spirit of the temporary import restrictions on textile products," said EP Socialist group in a written statement.

"We have always been in favor of a dialogue with the Chinese, instead of taking unilateral measures, and have upheld the Shanghai agreement on the management of textile quotas," it said.

Graham Watson, leader of the 89-strong Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the EP, also issued a statement welcoming the deal.

Watson warned that if the EU was to champion higher standards of living around the world and a wider choice for consumers in Europe, then its long-term trade policy must avoid appearing hypocritical.

"We cannot reasonably argue to our trade partners in the WTO for greater market access and freer trade in goods and services if we are prepared to close off our own markets at the drop of a hat, " said Watson.

"Today's agreement offers a short-term solution to what is a short-term problem resulting from a rush of orders immediately following the June 10th Memorandum of Understanding," he said.

"Nevertheless, I hope to see China develop a more rounded relationship with the EU over time, especially in resolving some of the concerns expressed by its trade partners on social and environmental standards which may be giving it an unfair competitive edge at present," he added.

Source: Xinhua