China-EU partnership maturing: spokesperson

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday said the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership was maturing. Hua Chunying noted that China-EU relationships have seen a sound development in recent years, and both sides have enhanced pragmatic cooperation in various areas and cooperated more in international affairs. European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini on Wednesday adopted a Joint Communication, which maps out the EU's relationship with China for the next five years. The Joint Communication identifies major opportunities for the EU-China relationship, in particular job creation, growth in Europe and greater opening up of the Chinese market to European businesses. The Joint Communication also highlights opportunities for closer cooperation and partnership in the fields of foreign and security policy. Reports quoted Mogherini as saying, "The EU and China already cooperate on so much: we work together on the global and political issues of our times, such as Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, migration and climate change. But we can and must do more to connect the EU and China." The China-EU partnership for peace, growth and reform provides a blueprint for China-EU ties in the future, the spokesperson said. She also reviewed the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting last year.