ENHANCING CHINA-EUROPE TIES
"Germany is the biggest economy in the EU and has been playing a key role in countering the European debt crisis," Feng said, noting that the inclusion of Germany and Switzerland in Li's first overseas trip shows the great importance China has attached to its ties with Europe.
Li's visit and French President Francois Hollande's trip to China in April are important interactions that will help forge closer relations between China and Europe, Feng said.
Analysts believe that China and the EU are partners rather than rivals, and they can achieve win-win reciprocity through coordination and cooperation.
On one hand, China needs advanced technology and management expertise from developed European countries to satisfy its needs for realizing industrialization, informationization, urbanization and agriculture modernization.
On the other hand, it is a good way for the debt-ridden European countries to explore overseas markets to cast off their sluggish growth. In return, recovery of the European economy will offer China a sound external environment.
Given Germany's role in the EU, it is believed that Li's visit will help enhance mutual understanding and strengthen economic cooperation between China and Europe.
Ambassador Schaeffer said that China and Germany, both as major exporters, have common interests in securing free trade in the global market, fighting protectionism, and trying to develop fair trade rules.
Germany is ready to work with China to advance the relationship between the EU and China, Schaeffer said.