By Anne-France White - 23rd October 2006
STRASBOURG: The EU has urged China to open up its markets and fulfil its international trade obligations.
Unveiling a new EU-China strategy paper on Tuesday, external relations and trade commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Peter Mandelson laid out the EU’s China strategy as the two bocs prepare to negotiate a new partnership pact in early 2007.
The commission says China accept its WTO obligations and commit to trading fairly.
“We need more balance and reciprocity in order to maintain an open trading system,” said Mandelson.
"China's growing trade muscle means growing expectations,” he argued.
“China must fulfil its WTO obligations and commit to trading fairly."
"Europe must accept fierce competition. China must ensure it is fair competition."
EU-China ties have been strained recently by anti-dumping cases over Chinese exports – and the EU’s new strategy paper makes it clear the commission is planning to harden its line on market opening and WTO rules.
Brussels also says it wants to increase cooperation with China on climate change and energy.
The paper says the EU should encourage China, with its energy-hungry emerging economy, to be "an active and responsible" partner in the world energy market.
During his forthcoming visit to China, Mandelson plans to take part in the first Chinese climate change forum.
Meanwhile critics accuse the EU of pushing for enhanced trade relations with China at the expense of human rights concerns.
But external Ferrero-Waldner rejected the accusation, arguing that “the most effective way to improve the situation in China is to work with the Chinese government”.
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