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Apr-27-2008EU says welcomes China announcement on Dalai Lama(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
- BEIJING: European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso met on Friday with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, launching high-level dialogue expected to include the unrest in Tibet. (More...)
- Hu Jintao said there have been frequent high-level exchanges between China and the EU in recent years. (More...)
- The EC president and his delegation arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon for a three-day visit. (More...)
- Friday's talks were the first round of a series of high-ranking meetings between China and the European Union, which had been agreed upon months ago. (More...)
- China's trade surplus — or the amount that exports exceed imports — with the EU surged 23 percent to $34.1 billion in the first quarter of the year, surpassing the gap with the United States, according to government data. (More...)
- Hailing the momentum of EU-China relations, Barroso said exchanges and cooperation between the two in fields of politics, economy, trade, and science and technology had been constructive. (More...)
- Just a few hours after the truce offer made by Hamas was rejected, the Israeli troops and the Palestinian militants clashed in northern Gaza, BBC reported.Unfortunately, among the collateral victims. (More...)
- 'I am particularly encouraged by our exchanges on Tibet,' said Barroso after meeting with Wen. (More...)
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BEIJING: European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso met on Friday with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, launching high-level dialogue expected to include the unrest in Tibet. The meeting with Barroso, who is leading a European Union delegation here, came as French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he was "shocked" by the deadly violence in Tibet and urged China to give greater autonomy to the region. His comments, with France due to take on the EU presidency in July, could throw fuel on a simmering dispute over Tibet and subsequent protests in Paris that disrupted the Beijing Olympic torch relay. Sarkozy said Thursday he had not yet decided whether to attend the August 8 Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing, but would work toward a common European position. Barroso and Wen were expected to issue a joint statement after their talks, according to EU officials here. "Our meeting today marks a significant step toward the strengthening of the strategic partnership between China and Europe," Barroso said as he began the talks with Wen. "This is the first time we have a meeting of this kind, what we call an executive-to-executive meeting. It's also the first time that a large group of the European Commission visits China." Wen said in his remarks that he had already talked with Barroso the night before in a "friendly" meeting. [1] Chinese and European Union leaders have launched a high-level dialogue on tensions over China's swelling trade surplus with Europe and amid disagreements over how to tackle climate change. "Our meeting today marks a significant step towards the strengthening of the strategic partnership between China and Europe," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told Premier Wen Jiabao as they met in the Great Hall of the People, the seat of China's legislature. The EU is stepping up pressure on Beijing for action over its trade surplus, market barriers and currency controls - areas where Washington long took the lead.[2] BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Union (EU) Commission president, arrived here on Thursday afternoon, starting a China visit at a time of several Sino-EU disagreements. During his three-day tour, Barroso will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and t alk with Premier Wen Jiabao. He will also attend a picture exhibition and a seminar on climate change. The first China-EU High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue will also take place during his Beijing stay.[3] BEIJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso ended his three-day China visit with" concrete results" achieved. During his three-day visit, Barroso has met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and held talk with Premier Wen Jiabao. He also attended a picture exhibition and a seminar on climate change.[4]
Beijing, April 25 (Xinhua) Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and president of the European Union (EU)'s executive arm the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso Friday jointly announced the start of the Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue. The two made the announcement at a press conference here following their meeting. During his two-hour talk with Barroso, Wen said the Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue would become an important platform to realize mutual benefit and joint success. He said EU was China's largest partner for economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation, and that Sino-EU practical cooperation had brought about great benefits for both sides.[5]
April 25 (Bloomberg) -- European Commission President Jose Barroso said he was "encouraged'' by his exchange with China's Premier Wen Jiabao on Tibet and said he hopes to see "positive developments'' on the issue "soon.'' He made the remark to journalists today in Beijing, after meeting with Wen. Barroso and nine commissioners from the EU are meeting Chinese officials in a bid to improve economic and trade relations and discuss areas of concerns such as intellectual property theft, climate change and human rights. Wen said he explained the situation in Tibet to Barroso and China's stance on the issue. Barroso said he opposed a boycott of the Olympic Games in Beijing in August and that the event should be celebrated in a peaceful way. He confirmed the EU's support of China's territorial integrity, which applied to Tibet.[6] The government is making preparations, Xinhua said without giving details. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, visiting China for talks on boosting trade and cooperation on climate change, raised his concerns with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao about crackdowns in Tibet. "Positive developments'' on the issue could be seen soon, Barroso said after his "encouraging'' meeting Wen. Speaking at a separate briefing later, Barroso would not say whether he had urged China to meet with the Dalai Lama or what he expected the "positive development'' would be. He said he urged China's leadership to allow free access to Tibet for foreign visitors and overseas journalists who have been prevented from traveling to the region other than under government escort since unrest erupted there on March 14.[7] European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said that he was encouraged by talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tibet in Beijing as news broke of possible dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama.[8]
BEIJING (AFP) — European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said Friday he wanted "positive developments soon" on Tibet after talks with China's premier, and voiced his opposition to any Olympic boycott. Barroso, leading a large EU delegation here amid tension over China's rule in Tibet and the Beijing Olympics, said he reassured Premier Wen Jiabao that Europe considered the Himalayan region as part of Chinese territory.[9] BEIJING (AP) — The head of the European Commission said Friday he hopes to see "positive developments soon" in Tibet after talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters in Beijing that he remained opposed to a boycott of the Olympic Games, which have become a lightning rod for criticism of China's human rights record, especially after a crackdown on anti-government protests in Tibet. "I am encouraged by our exchanges on Tibet and I hope to see positive developments soon," he said. "I think that these Olympics must be celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere."[10] Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President met today with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to discuss the pressing matters on Tibet. After the meeting he seemed pleased with the results and said that he expects some positive developments in the near future. President Barroso explained that he remains opposed to a boycott of the Olympic Games and another solution is needed in order to correctly handle the situation. His statement comes a few days after French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced his intentions to push for a European Union-wide agreement on boycotting the opening ceremony.[11]
I'm against a boycott," Barroso said after meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Barroso, leading a European Union delegation here, made the remark after French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he was "shocked" by last month's deadly violence in Tibet and urged China to give greater autonomy to the region. Sarkozy also said in a television interview on Thursday that he had not yet decided whether to attend the August 8 Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing, but would work toward a common European position on the issue.[12] I'm against the boycott." Friday's talks followed comments by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose country assumes the EU presidency in July, that he was "shocked" by the unrest in Tibet. Sarkozy said Thursday he had not yet decided whether to attend the August 8 Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing, but would work toward a common European position among the bloc's 27 member countries. Wen said he had briefed the EU chief on the situation in Tibet and China's stance on it. The Chinese premier said earlier he had spoken with Barroso late Thursday and "consensus was reached on a lot of issues, laying a good basis for today's (Friday's) talks." Observers said they did not expect China and the European Union would move any closer on Tibet issue, partly because Beijing insists it is an internal affair. "I don't see the Chinese giving away very much on this issue," said Brian Bridges, an expert on Asia-EU relations at Hong Kong's Lingnan University.[9]
Barroso's visit comes amid rising calls from world leaders, including France, for Beijing to sit down for talks with the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, whom China has blamed for fomenting anti-government protests in Lhasa last month. This week, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he will push for a European Union-wide agreement on whether to boycott the opening ceremony if Beijing refuses to engage the Tibetan leader. France is trying 'to create the conditions for a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities,' he said in an interview broadcast live on French television Thursday night. If no progress is made before the Olympics, Sarkozy said he would 'try my best for a united position' among the EU's member states.[13] The fear is that if China refuses to sign up to a successor deal to the Kyoto Protocol, it will be far more difficult to persuade the United States to do so. The toughest task is to go to European Commission President Barroso, who is also expected to raise "matters concerning human rights and freedom of expression," his spokesman confirmed on Monday. Tibet will be at the forefront of these discussions, particularly after the European Parliament earlier this month urged EU leaders to boycott the Olympic Games opening ceremony unless China opened up dialogue with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.[14]
Jiang also rebuffed an EU push for dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso plans to 'confront' China on its human rights record, freedom of expression and recent unrest in Tibet, a commission statement said ahead of the delegation's visit to Beijing, which begins Thursday.[15]
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is leading the high-power delegation, which includes nine EU commissioners, for a two-day visit that is expected to touch on the issues of climate change, investment, trade and human rights. He will face the unenviable task of trying to please European businesses looking to get a stronger foothold in China, while at the same time addressing the concerns of many in Europe about China's deadly crackdown on protesters in Tibet last month.[14] BEIJING (Reuters) - The president of the European Commission repeated on Friday he does not support a boycott of the Beijing Olympics despite some calls in Europe for leaders to avoid the opening ceremony because of Tibet. Jose Manuel Barroso made the comments in Beijing, where he is holding meetings with senior Chinese officials -- meetings whose agenda of trade and sustainable growth has been overshadowed by concerns over anti-government unrest across China's Tibetan areas.[16] EU officials led by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso had intended meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing this week to help ease rifts over China'''s big trade deficit and to foster agreement on '''sustainable''' growth.[17]
BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - China and the European Union have agreed to work together to resolve trade imbalances, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said. In remarks made after his meeting with China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Barroso said that while the two trading partners made 'useful' progress in their talks today, both sides admit that more needs to be done.[18] China and the European Union have established high-level economic and trade dialogue, after a meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and the EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.[19] BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso jointly announced here on Friday the start of the Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue.[20]
The Slovenian EU presidency said the Chinese decision was announced during a visit by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to Beijing and the readiness to hold talks was explicitly stated in an April 16 letter from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa.[21] The decision on the meeting was announced during the visit by the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. The readiness to hold talks was expressed in a letter Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao sent on 16 April to his Slovenian counterpart Janez Jansa. Jansa said he was pleased to see that the EU's efforts during the Slovenian presidency have strengthened confidence in the international community, a factor which will contribute to respect for human rights and to the successful staging of the Beijing Olympics.[22]
Beijing - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he discussed the thorny issue of Tibet in talks with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Friday.[23] Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his views Friday after talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing. Mr. Barroso says he and Mr. Wen had frank discussions on Tibet, and that he hoped to "see positive developments soon." Mr. Wen says he gave Mr. Barroso an update on the situation in Tibet, and that the two sides agreed to work more closely on environmental and food safety issues. Mr. Wen says the EU and China's mutual interests far outweigh their conflicts and differences.[24]
Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters in Beijing he had an "open and frank exchange of views" with Wen on the issue of human rights during wide-ranging talks that also covered trade, intellectual property, and climate change. "I am encouraged by our exchanges on Tibet and I hope to see positive developments soon," he said, adding he remains opposed to the idea of boycotting the Olympic Games opening ceremony. "I think that these Olympics must be celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere."[25] The original aim of the two-day trip was to focus on climate change and sustainable development, however growing tensions over civil rights in Tibet and China's relationship with Africa looks set to overshadow events. A spokesperson for Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he would bring up the human rights situation in Tibet with President Hu Jinatao. EU leaders are also concerned that their plans for greenhouse gas reductions could prove meaningless if big economies like China refuse to sign up to similar controls.[26]
The remarks by the European Chamber of Commerce in China came as EU trade officials, led by EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, prepared to meet with their Chinese counterparts later Friday. The chamber expressed its hope 'that normal visa service is resumed as soon as possible,' after the Chinese government had made it more difficult to both renew as well as obtain new business visas. 'According to feedback from the member companies in the European Chamber, these recent developments impeded business between the EU and China,' the group said in a statement.[27] China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, reports that European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and other EU officials arrived in Beijing Thursday afternoon.[28] BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - China should do its best to prevent 'negative reactions' against members of the EU, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said, noting the current anti-French sentiment held by many in China.[29]
European Commission chief, Jose Manuel Barroso, in his landmark visit to China says that the Commission considers Tibet as part of China. "We had an open and frank exchange on Tibet," Barroso told reporters after his talks with Wen, according to AFP. "I have reiterated the EU position on this matter, and I am particularly encouraged by our exchanges about Tibet.[30]
'We are not that far yet,' said the top EU diplomat, following Friday's discussions. Barroso reaffirmed that the EU considers Tibet a part of China, and repeated his resistance against a boycott of the Olympic Games in Beijing. Barroso did not give further details of the discussions which he described as an 'open exchange.' Journalists were not allowed to ask questions during a joint press conference held in the China's Great Hall of the People. China's leader said only that he had described the Chinese position on Tibet to Barroso. It is important to the European Union that the culture, religion and identity of Tibetans is respected, said Ferrero-Waldner. She added that the EU again encouraged Chinese leaders to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Dalai Lama his representatives to seek a stable and long-term solution.[31] The European Parliament has urged EU leaders to boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in August unless Chinese leaders hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Mr. Barroso says the games must be successful because they celebrate the world's youth.[24] China's Xinhua news agency earlier quoted official sources as saying Chinese officials would meet a private representative of the Dalai Lama. A spokesman for the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, said he had not received any communication from China about a meeting and China's Foreign Ministry said it had no details. Earlier this month, the European Parliament urged EU leaders to boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics this summer unless China started talks with the Dalai Lama.[21]
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson warned on Thursday that threats of boycotts from either side would only create resentment and deepen differences. Earlier this month, the European Parliament had urged EU leaders to boycott the Olympic Games opening ceremony in August unless Beijing talks with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.[28] French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday expressed "shock" over the deadly recent violence in Tibet and urging China to give greater autonomy to the region. European lawmakers also earlier this month urged EU leaders to boycott the Games opening ceremony unless China resumes talks with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. China has bridled at such statements, calling them unwanted interference in its domestic affairs. It warned that Sino-French ties could be seriously harmed by the Paris city council's decision earlier this week to make the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, an honorary citizen.[23] Barrosos visit comes amid rising calls from world leaders, including France, for Beijing to sit down for talks with the Dalai Lama, Tibets exiled spiritual leader, whom China has blamed for fomenting anti-government protests in Lhasa last month. This week, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he will push for a European Union-wide agreement on whether to boycott the opening ceremony if Beijing refuses to engage the Tibetan leader.[25]
"The main purpose is to mend the fissure that has occurred in the Sino-EU relationship," Shen Jiru, a researcher at the major think tank Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Xinhua news agency. Earlier this month European lawmakers called on EU leaders to boycott the Games opening ceremony unless China resumes dialogue with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.[9] Earlier in the day in Tokyo, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner also said Tibet would be 'very high on the agenda' when the EU officials visit China. 'We understand the sensitivities on sovereignty in China, but I think it is also fair to ask for the respect of the Tibetan culture and also their traditions,' Kyodo News Agency quoted her as saying. A few European leaders have expressed their intention to boycott or said they are considering a boycott of the opening ceremony of the August Olympic Games over the Chinese crackdown in Tibet.[15]
The meeting had been scheduled long before the strain in EU-China relations caused by the pro-Tibet protests in a number of European capitals during the Olympic torch relay. These led to a wave of anti-Western sentiment throughout China, with calls for boycotts of European goods culminating in protests against French supermarket chain Carrefour last weekend. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has already warned against openly confronting China on Tibet, but on Thursday he also urged Beijing to make it clear it opposes calls for boycotts of European goods. Speaking in Tokyo before departing for China, he said that threats from either side "deepen differences, create massive resentment and make dialogue much harder."[14] Ties between the EU and China have been strained by calls in China to boycott European goods, following pro-Tibet rallies that dogged the Olympic torch relay through London and Paris. Barroso's comments also reinforce remarks made by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, who said calls for boycotts of both the Beijing Olympics and European goods only "deepen differences, create massive resentment and make dialogue much harder".[16]
The EU presidency and EU officials have condemned violence in Tibet and called on Beijing to open a dialogue with the Dalai Lama but stopped short of any call to boycott the Games. The planned talks mark a change in tactics by Beijing, which has stepped up its vilification of the Dalai Lama since anti-government protests hit Tibet and rippled across ethnic Tibetan parts of China in the past weeks. The EU's Barroso reiterated earlier on Friday that he did not support a boycott of the Olympics.[21] Tibet was expected to be a major item on the agenda during the trip here, although the mission is also complicated by the desire of European businesses to strengthen ties with the Asian giant. China's crackdown on unrest in Tibet and criticism of its rights record has sparked noisy protests that have disrupted the Olympic torch's round-the-world relay ahead of the August Games, infuriating Chinese authorities. "We had an open and frank exchange on Tibet," Barroso told reporters about his talks with Wen. "I have reiterated the EU position on this matter, and I am particularly encouraged by our exchanges about Tibet.[9] "I hope to see positive developments soon. I have reiterated the EU position on this matter." Barroso, leading a large EU delegation to the Chinese capital amid tension over China's rule in Tibet and the Beijing Olympics, said he reassured Wen that Europe considered the Himalayan region as part of Chinese territory. He said Europe supported China's territorial integrity and unity "and that naturally applies to Tibet." He did urge China to reverse its current policy and grant free access for foreign journalists and foreign visitors to Tibet.[8]
I hope to see positive developments soon," the high European commissioner said. '''This is the first time we have a meeting of this kind, what we call an executive-to-executive meeting. It's also the first time that a large group of the European Commission visits China,'' Barroso, who is leading a nine-strong commissioner in his visit to Beijing, said at the meeting with the Chinese leader, Wen Jiabao. Barroso was welcomed by Chinese Premier Wen, saying '''we think highly of this visit of yours at this very important time. We stand ready to have in-depth discussions on the future of China-EU relations and sustainable development of both sides.''[30] Barroso is leading a delegation of nine commissioners for discussions on topics ranging from intellectual property protection to climate change in a bid to strengthen the partnership between China and Europe. 'This is the first time we have a meeting of this kind, what we call an executive-to-executive meeting. It's also the first time that a large group of the European Commission visits China,' Barroso said earlier in the day. The Chinese premier welcomed him, saying 'we think highly of this visit of yours at this very important time. We stand ready to have in-depth discussions on the future of China-EU relations and sustainable development of both sides.[13]
The meeting has been requested repeatedly by many world leaders, as it is considered to be the best way to end all riots and related issues. "This is the first time we have a meeting of this kind, what we call an executive-to-executive meeting. It's also the first time that a large group of the European Commission visits China," Barroso said earlier in the day according to the AP. The Chinese officials also welcomed the meeting with a very positive attitude expressing their gratitude for the interest shown in their country's issues.[11]
Wen made the remark while meeting former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and recalled that France was the first Western power to forge diplomatic relations with China, and also first European Union (EU) member state to set up a comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing. China valued its friendship with France, which was fostered by leaders of several generations from both nations and by the two peoples, Wen said. The Chinese premier also spoke of the recent violence in Lhasa and other places, and stated his country's stance on the issue. Raffarin said France attaches importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and that his country has always adhered to the one-China policy since the two nations forged diplomatic relations.[32] Wen said France was the first Western power to forge diplomatic relations with China, and also the first European Union (EU) member state to set up a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. China valued its friendship with France, which was fostered by leaders of several generations from both nations and by the two peoples, Wen said. He hoped France would work with China to push forward the healthy and stable growth of bilateral ties in line with the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. He clarified the truth behind violent crimes in Lhasa and other places, and stated China's stance on this issue.[33]
BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Friday that he hoped China and the European Union (EU) would enhance its dialogue and consultation to ensure the healthy and stable development of the China-EU all-round strategic partnership.[20] Beijing - China's new visa stipulations ahead of the Olympic Games in August are hampering economic cooperation between China and the European Union, EU business leaders active in China said Friday.[27] China, the European Union's fastest-growing export market, bought 7.6 billion euros ($12 billion) of products last year from the 27-nation trading bloc, a 36 percent surge from 2003. Borroso, leading a delegation of eight EU commissioners to boost trade and cooperate on intellectual property protection, doesn't want to upset his host or question China's sovereignty over Tibet. "I've confirmed that the EU is attached to the territorial integrity and unity of China, and this naturally applies to Tibet,'' he said in Beijing.[34]
Barroso is in China for talks on trade, energy and environment. In a statement ahead of the trip, his spokesman confirmed that he will also raise the issue of Tibet with the Chinese leadership. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner told reporters in Tokyo that Tibet will be high on her agenda during the China visit.[28] The dialogue will be co-hosted by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson on Friday afternoon. In his two-hour long talk with Barroso, Wen said that the Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue would become an important platform to realize mutual benefits and joint success. Wen said the EU is China's largest partner for economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation, and that Sino-EU practical cooperation has brought about great benefits for both sides.[35] A main purpose is to mend the fissure that occurred in the Sino-EU relationship," said Shen Jiru, a Chinese Academy of Social Science research fellow. Zhang added the two sides launching the dialogue as scheduled and upgrading their discussions on those issues from ministerial level to heads of government displayed their willingness to further push forward the bilateral relations. This is Barroso's fourth visit to China since he took the office of the EU Commission President in November 2004. He was invited by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.[3]
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso reiterated on Friday that he opposed any boycott of the Beijing Olympics. He made the remark during a joint press conference with Premier Wen Jiabao in the Great Hall of the People after a two-hour meeting.[36] April 25 (Bloomberg) -- European Commission President Jose Barroso said he's opposed to boycotting the Beijing Olympic Games in August, adding that he'd been "encouraged'' by discussions with Chinese officials on Tibet.[34]
BEIJING - European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso said today he had urged China to grant free access for foreign journalists and foreign visitors to Tibet.[37] The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso has asked for an investigation into whether the push for biofuels is to blame for rising food prices. The Commission seems in the process of shifting away from its previous unbridled support for the technology. It emerged last weekend that the Commission may cancel its target of requiring ten per cent of petrol and diesel to be biofuel by 2020. Barroso said he wanted a study on all aspects of the issue: "The impact on prices, the impact on agriculture, on development. all aspects."[38] Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and top EU leaders including European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso voiced "strong concern" about the prices of food, oil and other commodities in a joint statement after a summit.[39] Hu made the remarks in a meeting with EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. He said it was not only in line with both sides' fundamental interests, but also conducive to the peace, stability and development of the world to further cement and step up China-EU ties under current circumstances.[20]
Hailing the development of China-EU cooperation in recent years, Hu called to promote exchange and cooperation in various sectors, deepen coordination on key multilateral affairs and global issues, and properly handle and solve major concerns or disputes between the two. Barroso said maintaining robust EU-China ties were vital to both sides and the international society. It needed efforts from both China and the EU to safeguard international energy, finance, food safety and stability and solve global issues of climate change, sustainable development and terrorism, said the former Portuguese prime minister. He said the EU was committed to developing a strategic partnership with China and was willing to solve disputes through dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and constructive spirit.[20] Barroso said that Chinese and EU officials had discussed cooperation on fighting climate change and other environmental issues. "As far as climate change is concerned, we had a very deep exchange of views, particularly on the vital international negotiations," he said. Barroso said China had repeated its long-established position that it was willing to discuss emission reductions as part of a global agreement on climate change. "We welcome indications of Chinese readiness to include its domestic emission reduction policies in an international agreement, provided that developed countries commit to midterm reduction targets for 2020." He said Beijing also repeated calls for "an effective financial mechanism is put in place to promote technology transfer."[40]
Barroso said the focus of the talks was climate change and China had signaled its intention to make domestic emissions part of a global agreement to tackle climate change after 2012. He said there were "major imbalances" in trade and both sides had agreed on the need for a rebalance. The two sides also vowed to deepen cooperation in areas such as product quality, food safety, social policy, sustainable development and youth exchanges.[36] Mr. Barroso and Mr. Wen covered a range of topics during today's talks, including sustainable development, climate change and trade. The European leader says both sides agreed there was a major trade imbalance that favored Beijing. Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.[24]
Barroso is leading a delegation of nine commissioners, one-third of the EU executive, including EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, for discussions on topics ranging from intellectual property protection to climate change, in a bid to strengthen the Sino-European partnership. It is the first time the EU has sent such a large, high-level delegation to China, which showed the group's strong desire to foster and deepen relations, Barroso said.[36] "Trade relations, energy and climate change will be major topics of the dialogue," said Zhang Jianxiong, a research fellow of European studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Science. He said China and the EU, major trading partners of each other with great trade volume, were very clear about the important role of trade and economic cooperation in bilateral relations.[3]
The EU also hoped the first Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue, which kicked off here on Friday, could also achieve concrete results. Trade between China and the EU was making rapid progress and China had agreed to seek a more balanced trade relationship, he said without elaborating. Addressing the Carrefour issue, Barroso said almost all the domestic employees of the French supermarket chain were Chinese, and almost 95 percent of its local offerings were Chinese products. Such facts, therefore, made it unreasonable to call for a boycott of the retailer.[41] 'As Premier Wen just said, bilateral trade volumes are impressive and are increasing every year by 20-25 pct,' Barroso said. China's Customs Administration said earlier this month that the country's trade surplus with the EU jumped 23 pct year-on-year in the first three months of this year to 34.09 bln usd. Barroso said both sides will survey progress made to balance trade in the upcoming EU-China Summit in France later this year.[18]
China and EU have established over 40 dialogue and consultation channels in politics, economy, finance, technology, energy and education, among others. "It was in the common interests of both sides to strengthen cooperation between China and the EU," said Wen. He noted that mutual benefits between the two sides greatly outweigh the contradictions and differences, and with respect and trust, the China-EU relationship would have to be further developed. Wen said understanding and trust between EU and China have been greatly strengthened in the past decade, and they will be further reinforced in the upcoming dialogue. Wen and Barroso also reached extensive consensus on various areas during their talks.[35]
'I have confirmed that the EU is attached to the territorial integrity and unity of China, and that naturally applies to Tibet,' Barroso told reporters after meeting with Wen in Beijing. Tibet was expected to be a major agenda item during Barroso's trip to China, although his mission was complicated by the desire of European businesses to strengthen ties with the Asian giant.[42] "I have briefed President Barroso on the situation in Tibet and China's stance on it," Wen told reporters after meeting with a large EU delegation.[23]
The EU visit here was planned some months ago and was due to discuss topics ranging from climate change to intellectual property rights. Now, four months ahead of the Olympics, Barroso must attempt to please EU industry chiefs eager for business in China, and those who are clamouring for at least a symbolic protest against China's crackdown on Tibet.[9] According to Barroso, the EU and China probed deeply into climate change and the two sides agreed to keep close contact on the issue to ensure the negotiations in Copenhagen next year fruitful.[4] Barroso said China had signaled it could to make domestic emissions part of a global agreement to tackle climate change after 2012. He also said there were '''major imbalances''' in trade and both sides had agreed on the need to balance economic flows.[17]
Barroso gave no details but said the sides agreed to work on narrowing that gap. "But there are major imbalances and we both agree on the necessity to rebalance our bilateral trade," he said. European businesses say China keeps its currency undervalued, giving their Chinese competitors an unfair price advantage. Europe also echoes U.S. complaints about Chinese product piracy, saying 80% of counterfeit goods seized at its ports originated in China.[2]
"Concerning the Olympics, I have already said in Europe -- and I repeat it in China -- that the Olympics must be a celebration for the youth of the world and that it must be a success," Barroso told a joint news conference with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. "That is why I am against the boycott," he said.[16] BEIJING (AP) - The European Commission chief said Friday he is hopeful about seeing 'positive developments soon' in Tibet after talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.[13] BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here on Thursday with ex-French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, and urged the French government to work with China to put bilateral relations on a healthy and stable track.[33]
"The games should be celebrated in a peaceful way,'' Barroso said today after meeting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.[34] Barroso made the remarks at a news conference after meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.[43]
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases fueling global warming.[17]
Hu Jintao said there have been frequent high-level exchanges between China and the EU in recent years. He said cooperation in various fields has been expanded'''and the two sides have increased their coordination and communication on international and regional matters. Hu Jintao added that enhancing China-EU relations is beneficial to both sides and good for maintaining world peace, stability and development. The Chinese President hopes China and the EU develop bilateral ties further and cement their cooperation. [44] Barroso said that China is now ready to work with the EU to 'take forward' the Bali roadmap. 'We welcome indications of Chinese readiness to include its domestic emission reduction policies in an international agreement, provided that developed countries commit to mid-term reduction targets for 2020, and that an effective financial mechanism is put in place to promote technology transfer,' Barroso said. He said that in terms of bilateral environmental cooperation, the value of projects being developed under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto protocol is approximately five bln euros.[18]
Barroso's China visit comes amid strained relations between China and the EU, and particularly France over a Chinese crackdown on recent unrest in Tibet.[23] EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner reiterated the EU's call for Chinese leaders to engage in a constructive dialog with the representatives of Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to seek a stable and long-term solution in Tibet. It was later reported by the official state news agency Xinhua that the Chinese government would begin talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama within days.[8] Ljubljana, 25 April (STA) - The Slovenian EU presidency welcomed on Friday China's announcement of a planned meeting with a representative of Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The EU also welcomed the "readiness of both sides to strengthen cooperation between the EU and China".[22]
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday welcomed an announcement by China of a planned meeting with a representative of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism whom Beijing blames for a wave of unrest.[21] Tibet is a domestic issue that concerns China's'sovereignty and territorial integrity' and in which 'no country and no organization' may interfere, said Jiang Yu, spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry. Beijing hopes the European Union would respect that fact and attain a full understanding of China's position on the issue, she said.[15] A European Union delegation of heavy hitters is landing in China Thursday faced with something of a conundrum: How to improve economic ties with Beijing while also tackling the regime over its human rights record, particularly in Tibet.[14]
The European Union supports China's territorial integrity and considers Tibet to be part of China, Barroso said. "We had an open and frank exchange of views on Tibet I am encouraged by our exchanges and I hope to see positive developments soon," he said.[36] A top European Union trade official has urged China to make it clear that it rejects boycotts of European goods following tensions over Tibet.[28] Barroso traveled to Beijing with nine European Union commissioners to address a range of topics from climate protection, trade and market issues to energy cooperation.[8] Barroso's delegation included nine commissioners in charge of environment, science and research, external relations, trade, energy, tax and customs union, development and humanitarian aid, employment and social affairs, and consumers protection. They arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon, kicking off a three-day tour.[41]
The EC president and his delegation arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon for a three-day visit. Besides the high-level meetings, Barroso also attended a seminar on climate change on Friday, while his nine commissioners held talks with their Chinese counterparts. [36] Barroso said that Chinese and EU officials had discussed co-operation on fighting climate change and other environmental issues.[2] "The main topics are climate change and sustainable development, which are global challenges and require the EU and China to cooperate closely to tackle," said Barroso, former Portuguese prime minister.[41] Barroso is leading a large delegation of nine commissioners, one-third of the EU executive, including trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, for discussions on topics ranging from intellectual property protection to climate change in a bid to strengthen the China-European partnership.[5]
Barroso stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. He said the EU has made efforts to develop its strategic partnership with China. He also wished China success hosting the Beijing Olympics.[44] Barroso expressed appreciation for China's consistent support for the EU integrity, and wished the Beijing Olympics a success.[20]
Beijing - China sought Thursday to dampen EU expectations for discussions on Tibet when a European Commission delegation visits this week.[15] The EU and Japan also pledged to work together to promote stability on world financial markets. Food prices have risen rapidly since the end of 2007, spurred in part by growing appetites in emerging economies such as China and India and by the popularity of biofuels at a time of soaring oil prices. Another report from Strasbourg adds: The European Commission yesterday announced a further 117.25 million euros (185.5 million dollars) in food aid to the world's most vulnerable to offset the impact of soaring prices, reports AFP.[39]
The European Commission's biggest ever delegation to China has arrived in the capital Beijing to meet the country's leaders.[26] China has blamed for the Tibetan spiritual leader for fomenting the unrest. This week, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he would push for a European Union-wide agreement on whether to boycott the opening ceremony if Beijing refused to engage the Tibetan leader.[10] "I have already said in Europe - and I repeat it in China - that the Olympics must be a celebration for the youths of the world, and that it must be a success. I am against the boycott," he said. He was apparently referring to a European Parliament resolution earlier this month, which called on its 27 members to consider boycotting the opening ceremony of the Games over the Tibet issue.[36] I hope to see positive developments soon." He said Europe supported China's territorial integrity and unity "and that naturally applies to Tibet," and deflected calls for a boycott of at least the opening ceremony of the Games.[9]
The talks have been overshadowed by protests against Chinese authorities in Tibet and a security crackdown there. The government's harsh reaction to the unrest has prompted calls in Europe for a boycott of the opening ceremony of this summer's Beijing Olympics.[31] The question was that many countries decided to boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and European Parliament adopted a resolution against the Olympics because of "bloody incident" in Tibet.[45]
The head of the European Commission says he is opposed to any boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games over the ongoing problems in Tibet.[24]
China's policy regarding Tibet has not changed, said the official, who added that he hoped through dialog that "the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China." They must also "stop plotting and inciting violence" and "disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games," in order to create conditions conducive to talks, said the official as quoted by Xinhua.[8] The talks have been overshadowed by protests against Chinese authorities in Tibet and a security crackdown there. China's response to the unrest and criticism of its rights record has sparked noisy protests that have disrupted the Olympic torch's round-the-world relay ahead of the August Games, infuriating Chinese authorities.[8]
Their mission, on the contrary, is to follow through Gordon Brown's initiative on reforming the world's leading institutions, Foreign Office officials said last night. It would be surprising if, with China's human rights record again under ferocious scrutiny, the Chinese diplomats did not seek the views of their visitors on how to react to embarrassing criticism while the Games are proceeding. It would also be surprising if the British did not raise issues such as China's support for the Mugabe Government in Zimbabwe and the Khartoum regime over Darfur. "I cannot accept what happened in Tibet," he said in an interview.[46] Dalai Lama spokesman Tenzin Takhla welcomed the offer, saying it was a "positive step in the right direction." "All I can say is that we have received no official communication about this. However his Holiness is committed to resolving the Tibet issue and the only way to resolve the Tibet issue is by meeting the Chinese representatives face-to-face and addressing the grievances of Tibetans," he said. "Therefore, if talks take place it would be a positive step in the right direction," Takhla said over the phone from India's northern hill town of Dharamsala where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile is based.[8] Just after the meeting between the two leaders, Chinese state media reported that the government would meet with a representative of the Dalai Lama in the coming days. Such talks have been a key demand of world leaders following riots in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa last month.[10]
Just after the two leaders met, Chinese officials announced that a government meeting with a representative of the Dalai Lama is expected to be set over the next few days.[11]
France is trying "to create the conditions for a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities," he said in an interview broadcast live on French television Thursday night. If no progress is made before the Olympics, Sarkozy said he would "try my best for a united position" among the EUs member states.[25] Amnesty International has called on the EU delegation to use the trip to push for real improvements on human rights, describing it as a "test case" for the EU's rhetoric on the issue. "Such a high level visit 100 days before the start of the Olympics is a crucial opportunity to press the Chinese government to change its tactics," Natalia Olonso of Amnesty said in a statement released on Wednesday. "The EU's commitment to include human rights concerns in all its policies is at stake."[14]
EU deals with China from a strategic and long-term perspective and hopes to discuss frankly on bilateral and international issues on a basis of mutual respect so as to promote understanding and trust, Barroso said.[5] The EU and China have achieved concrete results, Barroso told reporters after the talks with Wen.[4] Wen and Barroso agreed to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two sides and jointly promote the Doha round of talks process, and to continue to promote the Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and maintain high-level contacts and consultations at various levels.[5] During the two-hour talks, Wen and Barroso agreed to continue to promote Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and maintain the high-level contacts and consultations. They pledged to insist on dialogues and consultations to properly handle differences, based on the principle of equity, openness and mutual benefits.[47]
Friday's talks were the first round of a series of high-ranking meetings between China and the European Union, which had been agreed upon months ago. [8] The European Chamber of Commerce in China has complained that new visa rules ahead of the Olympics is making it difficult to conduct between the European Union and China.[31] Our men in Washington, Paris, Moscow, the United Nations and the European Union will join the Ambassador to China on Monday and Tuesday for what, on the surface, looks a fairly mundane mission but which away from the public gaze may turn out to be decidedly more delicate.[46]
Leaders of Japan and the European Union called for urgent action to address rising food prices, which they warned could worsen poverty and hurt the global economy, reports AFP. Japan, which imports more than half of its food, has said it will raise the issue of spiralling food prices when it hosts the summit of the Group of Eight rich nations in July.[39] The high prices "could slow down the growth in the global economy and have negative effects on developed and developing nations," said the statement, also signed by Prime Minister Janez Jansa of Slovenia, the current EU president. The leaders "underlined the urgent need to address the issue, particularly in light of its acute impact on developing countries' efforts to overcome poverty," the joint statement said.[39]
The chamber was asking the foreign ministry in Beijing for a response, noting the healthy growth in trade and business cooperation between the EU and China under the eased visa provisions.[27] Trade is in China's favor with Chinese companies exporting 15.8 billion euros of products to the EU last year, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics.[34] China's trading partners have complained that Chinese currency controls are partly to blame for the trade gap, saying the country's currency is undervalued, giving Chinese competitors an unfair price advantage. Europe also shares U.S. concerns about Chinese product piracy, saying 80 percent of counterfeit goods seized at its ports originated in China.[10]
The talks also addressed tension over China's swelling trade surplus with Europe. The 27-nation bloc is stepping up pressure on Beijing for action over its trade surplus, market barriers and currency controls — echoing similar calls from Washington.[10]
Barroso also met with President Hu Jintao on Friday afternoon. He thanked China's continuous support for the integration of Europe, and wished every success for the Beijing Olympics.[36] To safeguard China's reunification and stability is in the interests of all countries, Raffarin said, adding that Europe should know more about Tibet's real situation. The Olympics is a grand event and the international society has the responsibility to make a positive contribution to the Beijing Games, Raffarin said and expressed his unhappiness over the incidents during the Paris run of the Olympic torch.[32] Foreign journalists now reporting from China are regularly harassed and even expelled, as was the case during the March 2008 events in Tibet. This violates the Organising Committee for the Beijing Olympic Games pledge that foreign media would have "complete freedom to report when they come to China".[48]
The animated cartoons can be downloaded from http://www.worldpressfreedomday.org. It is just a few of the cartoons and other editorial materials being offered for publication in newspapers, on websites and for broadcast on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May. The cartoons, both the animated and print versions, were created by noted French cartoonist Michel Cambon exclusively for the World Association of Newspapers, which is making them available for world-wide publication. The theme of the World Press Freedom Day initiative is "The Olympic Challenge: Free the Press in China!" and the campaign is dedicated to holding Chinese authorities to the pledges they made in their successful Olympic bid to allow greater press freedom. Despite the promises of reform made ahead of the Beijing Olympics, the Chinese authorities have intensified their crackdown on journalists and others who seek to exercise their right to freedom of expression.[48]
The high-level encounters with members of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs come after China's presence in Tibet was given world prominence by the public relations disaster of the Olympic torch relay.[46] Apart from Tibet, the Olympics are also creating other strains in the relationship between China and Europe. The European Chamber of Commerce in China said it had expressed concerns to China's Foreign Ministry about difficulties its members are encountering in obtaining and renewing "F" business visas. Companies have found express services for business visa applications suspended, refusal of multiple-entry visas, and Asia-based Europeans seeking to renew visas have been required to return to their home countries to apply.[16] Experts said there are not enough European rocket manufacturers to make up the shortfall. Tibet protesters who have been targeting the Olympic torch relay have discovered an embarrassing problem - their anti-Beijing flags have been made in CHINA. [49]
The visit comes ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympics and China's efforts to end a recent crisis in Tibet.[30]
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner told reporters on Thursday that the Tibet would definitely be "high" on the agenda. "Of course we understand the sensitivity on sovereignty in China," she said. "But I think it is also fair to ask to respect the Tibetans' culture and also their traditions."[14] China and the 27-nation EU also agreed to fight counterfeiting and to set up a dialogue on energy efficiency. Wen told reporters both sides agreed to solve their problems through dialogue.[6] The presidency will continue to make every effort to further enhance comprehensive dialogue between the EU and China, also advocated at last year's meeting Jansa and Jiabao, the press release says.[22] China and EU had established more than 40 dialogue and consultation channels in politics, economy, finance, technology, energy and education, among others.[5]
Barroso said there's a need to address the "major'' imbalances that exist between the EU and China.[34] The EU welcomed China's indication of incorporating the country's emission reduction target into the pact, Barroso said.[41]
Barroso said at a news briefing here that the current calls for a boycott against French retailer Carrefour to protest the French handling of the Olympic torch relay would end up affecting China commercially.[29]
Europe and China also agreed to develop new strategic cooperation on science and research in areas including energy, climate change, biotechnology and health.[25] Barroso will also meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao. He will also attend a picture exhibition and a seminar on climate change in his three-day tour.[43] The EC president is leading a delegation of nine Commissioners to work on several key areas including climate change, sustainable development, and food safety.[18]
"The rise in basic food prices is a worldwide humanitarian disaster in the making," said EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "Ongoing humanitarian food programmes are under enormous pressure with less food available for people already on the brink of starvation," he added. His comments followed an announcement last month of the EU commission's biggest ever food aid package, 160 million euros, which came with a warning that the swiftly rising prices could force it to increase the amount.[39] Of the latest humanitarian funding, almost half will be taken from the existing food aid budget run by the commission's humanitarian aid department, while 60 million euros in "new money" has been requested. Earlier this month the European Commission unveiled an action plan to help combat a worrying drop in EU aid to developing countries and urged member nations to live up to their pledges.[39]
China's trade surplus — or the amount that exports exceed imports — with the EU surged 23 percent to $34.1 billion in the first quarter of the year, surpassing the gap with the United States, according to government data. [10] Economic disputes have festered as China'''s trade surplus with the EU bloc surged to nearly 160 billion euros ($251 billion) last year, according to EU data.[17]
China is the second largest trade partner of the EU, while the EU is the top trade partner of China.[3]
Tibet is a popular bandwagon - In Zimbabwe and Darfur China is actively supporting evil. Has it ever occured to the times that this is simply just trade negotiations? Afterall, China is the only real boyant economy to hang onto at the moment as much of Europe and the USA slide into recession.[46] Mandelson will be focusing on reducing frictions over China's big trade surplus. He is also expected to initiate a High Level Economic and Trade Mechanism, which is designed to make it easier for European companies to invest in China.[14]
Raffarin said France attaches importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and that France has always adhered to the one-China policy since the two nations forged diplomatic relations. To safeguard China's reunification and stability accords with the interests of all countries, Raffarin said, noting the European and French people should increase their knowledge about Tibet's real situation.[33] "Now it is in Europe that public opinion is becoming less and less favorable to China." The European country that has born the brunt of this Chinese resentment is France.[14] Beijing is disappointed "to see the disappearance of a European stance whose principal merit was opposing the United States by taking up positions more favorable to Chinese interests," Valerie Niquet of French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) told the AFP news agency.[14] BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao Thursday urged France to work together to strengthen bilateral relations.[32] Wen Jiabao and Barroso made the announcement at a press conference today (Friday) following their talks.[19]
Barroso arrived on Thursday as a guest of Wen. This is his fourth visit to China since he took office in November 2004.[47] China's own state media acknowledged shortly after Barroso's arrival that the China-EU relationship had "soured" over Tibet.[9] "I expressly asked the Chinese for free access for foreign journalists and foreign visitors to Tibet," Barroso told reporters in Beijing.[37] "We will prosecute the demonstrators according to the law, as before." He said that there are a total of 56 ethnic minorities in China, and Tibet is only one of them. All the them are guaranteed not only the same rights as Han Chinese but also they are given even more benefits, he continued. "Minorities are allowed to have two children whereas only one child is allowed for Han Chinese," he emphasized. "In addition they receive one more point in college entrance examination."[45] Protests against Chinese rule over Tibet erupted in the Himalayan region's capital Lhasa last month, later spreading to other areas of China with Tibetan populations.[9]
Beijing says Tibet is China's internal affair. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.[28] Bonfire night celebrations could be bang in trouble after China banned exports of fireworks. Beijing makes around 90 per cent of the world's supplies but wants to stockpile them to mark this summer's Olympics.[49] Relations worsened significantly after the Paris leg of the Olympic relay on April 7, which saw pro-Tibet protesters succeed in interrupting the ceremony, and by President Nicolas Sarkozy's threats to shun the Beijing Games opening ceremony in August.[14] 'I am encouraged by our exchanges on Tibet and I hope to see positive developments soon,' he said, adding he remains opposed to the idea of boycotting the Olympic Games' opening ceremony. 'I think that these Olympics must be celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere.[13]
Barroso deflected calls for a boycott of at least the opening ceremony of the Games.[8]
Hailing the momentum of EU-China relations, Barroso said exchanges and cooperation between the two in fields of politics, economy, trade, and science and technology had been constructive. [5] 'In addition, we have agreed to establish by the end of the year a bilateral cooperation mechanism in order to combat illegal logging,' Barroso said, adding that a new 15 mln euro EU-China Environmental Governance Programme will be launched at the next EU-China summit.[18]
The two sides reached agreements in a variety of areas, including an agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy as well as a project aimed at training Chinese experts on clean and renewable energy and at developing common technology and research, Barroso said.[25] "Anyone who is interested in a better understanding of the realities should give free access to the press,'' Barroso told reporters at a briefing at the EU Delegation offices in the Chinese capital.[7] Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo also met the EU commissioners Friday, exchanging views on current EU-China relations and issues of common concern.[5] The commissioners reaffirmed EU's support to the one-China policy and respect to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[5] China and the EU would deepen cooperation on product quality and food safety, in an effort to safeguard the basic interests of the two peoples, and promote people-to-people communication and youth exchanges, according to the two leaders.[47]
Just a few hours after the truce offer made by Hamas was rejected, the Israeli troops and the Palestinian militants clashed in northern Gaza, BBC reported.Unfortunately, among the collateral victims. As expected, the Dalai Lama accepted China's offer to hold talks, but he has one request: the discussions must be serious.From the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, the Buddhist spiritual. [11] Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin is due to hold high level talks in Beijing on Thursday and his comment describing the Paris gesture as a "serious political mistake," has been widely reported by Chinese state media.[14]
Sarkozy has sought to smooth relations by dispatching senior officials to China and sending a message of sympathy to a disabled Chinese athlete who came under attack during the torch relay in Paris.[14] "The question itself is so ignorant." Eventually he dodged the question. Regarding the bilateral relations between South Korea and China, he said he agrees to President Lee Myung-Bak's remark that there will be no development without neighboring countries' prosperity and mutually beneficial ties are desirable. He said that China is the biggest victim when it comes to yellow dust problem. He said that China would even try harder to stop the desertification of China.[45]
Suspending the issuance of express visas means 'missed business opportunities,' chamber president Joerg Wuttke said. 'Beyond slowing down the process of travelling, these new practices make the possibility of travelling to China for business uncertain and increase travel costs by limiting the number of entries per visa,' Wuttke said. Especially problematic is the requirement that Europeans living in Asia return to their homeland to apply for visa renewal. This adds considerably to the costs of business. 'This benefits no one,' Wuttke said.[27] A new road promises faster travel and more trade for people in Laos, Thailand and southern China.[25]
Chinese Ambassador to Seoul Ning Fukui ('''''') said "A handful of Tibet's independence forces is intentionally making the situations in Tibet worse by trying to hold Olympics hostage," local Yonhap news agency reported on April 23, 2008. The Chinese envoy made the argument during his lecture held at Seoul National University on the day. "We cannot tolerate violent demonstrations such as arsons and destructions, said the ambassador.[45] Chaotic anti-Chinese demonstrations in London and Paris during the Olympic torch run sparked Chinese nationalist calls for a boycott of European goods.[24]
'I am particularly encouraged by our exchanges on Tibet,' said Barroso after meeting with Wen. [31] "I am particularly encouraged by our open and frank exchanges on Tibet," said Barroso after meeting with Wen.[8]
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3. EU leader Barroso visits China with large delegation at special time_English_Xinhua
4. EU Commission president ends China tour_English_Xinhua
5. Mangalorean.Com- Serving Mangaloreans Around The World!
6. Bloomberg.com: Europe
7. Bloomberg.com: Worldwide
8. EU's Barroso Encouraged by Tibet Talks with China | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 25.04.2008
9. AFP: EU chief says wants 'positive' news soon on Tibet
10. The Associated Press: EU chief hopes for 'positive developments soon' on Tibet
11. Chinese Efforts On Tibet Issue Begin To Show
12. EU's Barroso says opposes Olympic boycott- Politics/Nation-News-The Economic Times
13. European Commission president to talk about trade, Tibet with Chinese premier
14. EU Delegation Walks Tightrope in China
15. China tries to tone down EU hopes on Tibet before Beijing meetings - Asia-Pacific
16. EU's Barroso says against Beijing Games boycott | Sports | Reuters
17. TODAY'S ZAMAN - China and EU vow to work on trade, ease Tibet tension
18. China and EU agree to cooperate in rebalancing trade - Barroso - Forbes.com
19. CCTV International
20. Chinese president calls for enhanced dialogue with EU_English_Xinhua
21. EU lauds planned China meeting with Dalai Lama envoy | Reuters
22. STA - Slovenska tiskovna agencija / Slovenian Press Agency
23. China, EU discuss Tibet : World: News: News24
24. VOA News - European Commission Head Rejects Calls for Boycott of Olympic Games
25. European Commission president to talk about trade, Tibet with Chinese premier - International Herald Tribune
26. Europe : EU big guns arrive in China for talks
27. EU trade officials say China's new visa rules hamper business - Business
28. VOA News - EU Officials to Promote Economic Ties, Human Rights in China
29. China should seek to prevent anti-EU reactions - Barroso - Forbes.com
30. Press TV - Barroso says Tibet is part of China
31. EU hopes to see 'positive developments' on Tibet soon (1st Lead) - Asia-Pacific
32. » China cherishes French ties: Wen - Thaindian News
33. Premier Wen says China cherishes French ties
34. Bloomberg.com: Europe
35. China, EU start high-level economic, trade dialogue
36. EC chief reiterates opposition to Olympic boycott
37. The Times - China urged to open up Tibet
38. Do biofuels cause famine? EU President opens probe | The Register
39. Japan, EU seek urgent action on food prices
40. The Associated Press: China, EU leaders meet on trade tensions
41. Barroso's visit to China achieves concrete results_English_Xinhua
42. EU considers Tibet part of China - Barroso - Forbes.com
43. EU reiterates support for China's territorial integrity_English_Xinhua
44. CCTV International
45. The Seoul Times
46. Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission - Times Online
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