Martin Schulz, chairman of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, praised China on Tuesday at a press conference for its "constructive role" in the international community, and expressed the wish to strengthen bilateral cooperation for the "common goal of world multilateralism".

"These are risky times we are living in. Both Europe and China should contribute to world peace, and China plays a constructive role in peaceful solutions to international conflicts," Schulz said.

Schulz and his delegation are in China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Schulz expressed his hope that the Socialist Group could strengthen cooperation with the CPC in various fields, such as politics, economy, environment and sustainable development.

"We will be prepared to cooperate with China not only on the economic level, but also and especially on the political level to strengthen multilateralism in the world," Schulz said.

Schulz said he is very impressed by the economic progress China has made during recent years.

"China is a strong market where European companies have many opportunities, just as Chinese companies have many chances in trade exchanges with Europe. China's solid development is in the interest of both China and the European Union," Schulz said.

During a meeting with China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Tuesday in the Great Hall of the People, Schulz reiterated that the EU adheres to the one-China policy.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), said that China and the EU both play significant roles in the international community and their all-round strategic partnership serves their common interests and helps promote world peace and development.

The EU is China's largest trading partner and the two sides have forged good communication channels and coordination on significant international issues, Wu noted.

Wu spoke positively about the friendly ties between the Chinese NPC and the European Parliament and the constructive role played by the the Socialist Group in promoting Sino-EU relations.

Wu, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, voiced the CPC's readiness to foster relations with various parties, including the Socialist Group, in the European Parliament.

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)