中欧关系

French Televisions: Good morning. Many analysts in Europe deplore the European Union's inability to dominate or influence the change on the political international scene. What is the opinion of the Chinese government with regard to the EU's struggle to become a major player and how would you characterize China-EU relations now? Thank you.
法国电视台记者：在欧洲有很多评论家认为，欧盟正在努力对国际形势中政治、经济等各方面的变化与发展施加自己的影响力和发挥自己的作用。我想问中国如何看待欧盟非常努力地想要在国际社会中发挥主要作用？您如何评价中国和欧盟之间的关系？

Foreign Minister Yang: I believe, over the years, the EU has played an important role on the international stage. And I believe it will play an even more important role in the future. We highly value our relations with Europe. We attach importance not only to developing relations with the EU as a whole, but also to pushing forward our relationship with EU member states. In recent years, China-EU relationship has been on the whole moving in a positive direction. We have achieved much success in our practical cooperation in various fields. The European Union is China's largest trading partner. Last year, two-way trade volume exceeded US$360 billion. We now have nearly 200,000 Chinese students studying in European countries. Having said that, I should point out that it is impossible for us not to have any difference in developing our relationship. But differences do not represent the mainstream in our relations. China and the EU differ in terms of cultural heritage, historical background, stage of development and social system. Therefore it is only natural for the two sides to have some divergent views or differences over some issues. What is important is for both sides to properly handle differences through consultations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and highlight the common interests between the two sides in a wide array of areas. In that way, I believe China-EU relationship will get better and better day after day, month after month and year after year.
杨洁篪：我认为，多年来欧盟一直是国际舞台上的一个很重要的角色，而且会变得越来越重要。我们高度重视发展中欧关系，重视同欧盟整体关系的发展，也十分重视推进同各成员国关系。近年来，中欧关系总体上是积极向前推进的，我们在各个务实合作领域取得了不少的合作成果。比如说现在欧盟已经成为中国最大的贸易伙伴，去年双方贸易额达到3600多亿美元，中国有近20万留学生在欧洲学习。当然，双方关系发展中不可能一点摩擦都没有。但这不是我们双方关系的主流。由于双方文化传统、历史背景、发展水平、社会制度各不相同，我们在一些问题上存在着认识上的差异，乃至于出现一些分歧，我想这是自然的。重要的是，我们双方都要本着相互尊重、平等互利的态度进行磋商，妥善处理有关分歧，突出双方在广泛领域存在的共同利益。这样，我相信中欧关系就会一天比一天好，一月比一月好，一年比一年好。

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. China-EU relationship is a mature relationship. Many European political leaders and people from European countries will come to the Shanghai World Expo and they will be warmly received. I can also tell you that we are considering visits to European countries by major Chinese state leaders this year. The two sides should work together to enhance the momentum of improvement and development of China-EU relationship that has taken shape since last year. The two sides should work together to further enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership. We should make joint efforts to enhance the comprehensive and strategic nature of this relationship and put it on a more solid footing. And I believe that with concerted efforts, China-EU relationship will make big strides forward and enjoy many new areas for growth.
今年是中欧建立外交关系35周年，我们之间存在着的是一个成熟的外交关系。围绕世博会，有不少欧洲政要、欧洲民众将来上海参加世博会有关活动，我们对此表示热烈欢迎。我也可以告诉大家，今年我们考虑安排中国的主要领导人到欧洲进行访问。我们双方应该共同努力加强去年以来双方关系改善和发展的势头，进一步充实中欧全面战略伙伴关系，使这个关系更加增强战略性、全面性和稳定性。我相信，只要双方共同努力，中欧关系一定会大踏步地向前发展，而且会出现不少新的增长点。

(来源: 外交部)