Press Release: New communication on EU-China relations ahead of Commissioner Patten’s visit to China

On 15 May 2001, the Commission adopted a new communication on EU-China relations. The Communication suggests ways of developing EU-China relations by defining short and medium term action points for EU policy: strengthening of political dialogue, support towards creation of an open society, better integration into the world's economy, better use of EC co-operation programmes and raising the EU's profile in China. On 21 May 2001 External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten began a five day visit to China which included participation at the Third ASEM Foreign Minister Meeting in Beijing on 24-25 May 2001.

• Primary Source

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/china/index_en.htm http://www.eeas.europa.eu/china/index_en.htm

European External Action Service: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) http://eeas.europa.eu/asem/index_en.htm

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