The European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said that there was "no timetable"for EU-China PCA (Partnership Cooperation Agreement) negotiations.

Commissioner Waldner disclosed at a press conference held by the European Commission Delegation to China on Thursday that talks have begun. The launch of the negotiations was officially announced on Wednesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Ms. Walder.

The new agreement will replace the 1985 Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement and determine the framework for bilateral relations over the next twenty years. In 2003, China and the EU built a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The new pact will be much broader based to reflect such a partnership. Ms. Walder said it will include 22 areas on which the two parties will hold dialogue, such as energy, environment and climate change.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also noted advances in the relationship, saying, "China and the EU are not only trading partners, but all-round strategic partners. We share broad common interests and common positions."

Mr. Dirk Sterckx, who led a delegation from the European Parliament to China in November last year, told reporters during the tour that talks would be even more difficult due to the wide scope of issues involved.

In her speech at Renmin University immediately after the press conference, Ms. Walder specifically highlighted three "key international challenges"in which "the international community needs China to take an active role": tackling the proliferation of weapons, working closely with African partners to ensure sustainable development and security, energy, environment and climate change.

She stressed that the divergences are "surprisingly few". Even trade disputes did not seem of major concern to Ms Walder, who said that "��given the volume of trade, I think we have a good record, both on keeping disputes to a minimum, and working to resolve them when they arise."

By People's Daily Online