Visiting EU Commission Vice President Guenter Verheugen said on Monday China's development represents an opportunity for the European Union.

"The EU takes its relationship with China very seriously and views China's development as an opportunity," Verheugen said in a meeting with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body.

Verheugen told Jia that the EU and China can create win-win results and that the EU hopes to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in such areas as the environment, climate change, scientific research and technological innovation.

Jia said China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU. "China supports the EU's integration process and is keen to see the EU play a more active, constructive role on international issues," said Jia.

Acknowledging the EU's adherence to the one-China policy, Jia said China is keen to promote China-EU relations on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits.

Verheugen praised China's active role in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Middle East issue and said the EU hopes to develop cooperation with China on international issues.

In a meeting with Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Verheugen reiterated that the EU will stick to the one-China policy, adding that the EU hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in energy, climate change and sustainable development.

Tang told Verheugen that China and the EU share common interests in facing global challenges, safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. "We are indispensable to each other," said Tang.

Tang stressed that it is China's long-term strategy to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU, saying he hoped the two sides will cooperate more and enhance China-EU relations.

Verheugen is on an official visit to China from April 1 to 4 at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Source: Xinhua