Speaking points for Prime Minister and President of the European Council Jan Peter Balkenende at the press conference during the EU-China Summit in The Hague.

It is now the seventh time that the EU and China have met at the highest level to speak about matters of mutual interest.

Today Prime Minister Wen and I have ascertained that the relations between the EU and China have steadily become closer in the past years. We can justifiably speak of a ‘strategic partnership.’

The fact that the ties between Europe and China are very solid in diverse areas becomes evident when we look at the treaties and agreements which were just signed.

They entail, for example, cooperation in combating the spread of nuclear weapons, and strengthening ties in the areas of science, technology, energy and customs.

We also have signed agreements in the areas of social security, the exchange and training of managers, information technology and higher education.

Along with that, Prime Minister Wen, Commission President Barroso and I have of course shared thoughts on an array of issues to which the EU and China attach great significance.

It is good to know exactly how the other party thinks about certain things, for example human rights and trade relations.

We additionally discussed the efforts made by both sides to come to a re-admission agreement. Both sides attach importance to reaching an agreement and today we have once again taken another step forward on this issue.

We also shared views on the arms embargo. The different standpoints on this topic are well-known. I have made it clear to Prime Minister Wen that the EU is willing to work towards lifting the embargo, but that this must be viewed in terms of an alteration of the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Export. We are currently working on that.  

I understand that China sees this as a political signal and that the intention is not to purchase weapons in Europe on a large scale. Naturally, that is important for us - in view of regional stability as well. 

I am very satisfied with the straightforward conversation which we had on this. That also holds for the issue of human rights.

The talks were characterised by an open and constructive stance by both parties.

We will continue our discussions during our working lunch.