EUROPEAN COMMISSION:EU-China Summit: moving forward with our global partnership

EU-China Summit: moving forward with our global partnership

EU-China Summit: A number of important developments to the bilateral relationship and fresh impetus to a partnership that has a global impact

The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, along with President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, represented the European Union at the 19th bilateral Summit between the European Union and China which took place today in Brussels. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, and Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas also attended for the European Union.

At the Summit, EU and Chinese leaders reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change and, as major energy consumers and importers, highlighted the importance of fostering cooperation in their energy policies. Discussions also took place on issues pertaining to foreign and security policy, where the EU and China looked at ways to advance cooperation and joint action in addressing both regional and global challenges, including common security threats, the promotion of multilateralism, peacekeeping and peace-building.

During the Summit, a number of agreements were signed that will concretely strengthen what is already a comprehensive relationship. In addition, several EU-China meetings covering specific policy areas, held in the margins of the Summit, also brought positive outcomes. These included the 12th EU-China Business Summit, the EU-China Connectivity Platform, High Level Energy Dialogue and the Innovation Cooperation Dialogue.

More concretely, 10 agreements between the EU and China were signed, including on investment; on competition; on connectivity and related projects and policies; on trade matters, including geographical indications and overcapacity; on human rights and the rule of law; on tourism; and on maritime affairs.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION:EU- China Summit, 01-02/06/20

EU- China Summit, 01-02/06/20

The 19th bilateral summit between the EU and China took place on 1-2 June in Brussels.

European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker  represented  the European Union. China was  represented by Prime Minister Li Keqiang. 

• Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the EU-China summit in Brussels , 2 June 2017

Leaders discussed EU-China political and economic relations.  The EU and China reaffirmed their cooperation to tackle climate change and their support to the Paris Agreement. 

"We are stepping up our cooperation on climate change with China. Which means that today, China and Europe have demonstrated solidarity with future generations and responsibility for the whole planet."

President Donald Tusk at the press conference after the EU-China summit

Leaders exchanged views on foreign policy and security challenges, including the situation in the Korean Peninsula. They also discussed ways to improve cooperation on human rights at the bilateral and international level.

An EU-China business summit took place in the margins of the summit.

video:

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/templates/media-gallery.aspx?id=47244660251&pp=%2fmeetings%2finternational-summit%2f2017%2f06%2f01-02&pos=0

Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the EU-China summit in Brussels

02/06/2017 | 16:15

Good afternoon, let me first of all welcome Premier Li in Brussels. It is very good to have you here.

Yesterday evening we had a good informal meeting with Premier Li and this morning we have just concluded our plenary session of this year's EU-China summit. We had fruitful and constructive talks that underline the importance we both attach to EU-China relations.

China and the European Union are strategic partners. We have a stake in each other's success. Our cooperation is broad and continues to broaden and strengthen on issues like trade and investment, climate change, the migration crisis, North Korea, and a security partnership in Africa. We share many interests. Most importantly, we share a fundamental interest in upholding and strengthening the rules-based international system. For example, respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine has been our common position since 2015. And in these difficult times we have a joint responsibility to protect this system and demonstrate its added value in all aspects of our relations.

Today, we are stepping up our cooperation on climate change with China. Which means that today, China and Europe have demonstrated solidarity with future generations and responsibility for the whole planet. We are convinced that yesterday's decision by the United States to leave the Paris Agreement is a big mistake, bigger than not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, because Paris is fairer. But the fight against climate change, and all the research, innovation and technological progress it will bring, will continue, with or without the US.

However, strong transatlantic ties are far more important and far more durable than the latest, unfortunate decisions of the new Administration. Strong transatlantic ties are still the best guarantee that the people and nations who advocate freedom and peaceful order will not be left helpless or alone.

We also discussed the issue of human rights today. How we can further improve cooperation on this at the bilateral and international level. I expressed our concern about freedom of expression and association in China, including the detention of human rights lawyers and defenders, as well as the situation of minorities such as Tibetans and Uighurs. I am glad we could agree that the next round of our human rights dialogue will take place later this month. Finally, on North Korea, we welcome China's efforts. We share a common interest in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, de-escalation of tensions, and for North Korea to comply with its international obligations and abandon all nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. We count on China's continued support to achieve these objectives. Thank you.