Martin Schulz, chairman of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, vowed that he and the group will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy.

 

"We defended the policy in the past, we defend it at present and we will defend it in the future," Schulz pledged.

 

Schulz made the remark during his meeting with top legislator Wu Bangguo Tuesday in the Great Hall of the People.

 

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 the all-round strategic partnership serves to the common interests of both sides and helps promote world peace and development.

 

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

 

The two sides have consolidated exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as politics, economic and trade, science and technology and culture in recent years, Wu said, calling for both sides to continue stepping up China-EU all-round strategic partnership.

 

Wu spoke positively about the friendly ties between the Chinese NPC and the European Parliament and the constructive role played by 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.

 

The NPC also expects to fortify the friendly exchanges and cooperation with the European Parliament to jointly push forward the China-EU all-round strategic partnership, Wu stressed.

 

Schulz expressed his appreciation to the achievements China had scored in economic construction and social development, highlighting the significant role China plays in maintaining the world peace.

 

When on the EU-China relations, Schulz said that the EU and China share common interests and challenges and it is good for both the European Parliament and the Chinese NPC to increase friendly exchanges.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)