Olympics can 'mark new era" for EU-China relations

China’s ambassador to the EU has admitted his country faces an “arduous” task on its path towards becoming a fully developed nation.

In a letter to each of parliament’s 784 MEPs, Song Zhe said, however, that China “will stay committed” to peaceful development.

The letter comes in the wake of the fierce criticism Beijing has faced following its efforts to quell unrest in Tibet.

Zhe writes, “China is still a developing country. It will be a long-term and arduous task to achieve development. But China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development and a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening up.

“On the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China will promote friendly exchange and cooperation with other countries. We are ready to work with people of all countries, including the Europeans, to jointly promote a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.”

Zhe said he hoped that the presence of influential EU figures such as French president Nicolas Sarkozy and EU foreign affairs supremo Javier Solana at the Olympics will “mark a new beginning” in EU-China relations.

He said the games had “refreshed the world’s insights and understanding of China”,adding that the EU’s “goodwill and support” reflects the “gravity that the European side attaches to its relations with China and the commitment it makes to a stable and growing China-EU relationship.”

“China reciprocates the same gravity to the EU,” he adds.

Ambassador Song goes on to say that “while thousands of miles away from each other, China and Europe do have big differences in terms of history, culture, tradition and levels of development.

“Seeing oneself and being seen in the eyes of others will not be the same.

“I am convinced that, through dialogue, exchange and communication, China and the EU are able to enhance understanding, narrow differences and strengthen trust, so as to ensure lasting friendship and cooperation.”

In the letter, he reminds deputies of two major events in China-EU relations this year - the 7th ASEM summit at Beijing in October and the 11th China-EU summit at Lyon in December, attended by, amongst others, Sarkozy and commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.

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