国内英语新闻:China urges "balanced understanding" during strategic dialogue with EU

Ashton said the European Union will strengthen political and economic dialogue with China and seek out more areas for cooperation.

"The two sides found much in common in the talks. The two sides hope to have a better and deeper understanding of each other through more dialogue," Fu said.

On Tuesday, Ashton and her entourage paid a visit to a poor village of the Miao ethnic group in the suburbs of Guiyang, capital city of Guizhou.

In the village, they called on rural families and a primary school.

Prior to the Guizhou visit, Ashton had a two-day tour in Shanghai Municipality, one of China's most developed cities.

"We hoped such an arrangement would give her a comprehensive understanding of China and help the EU side view China and its development in a balanced and objective manner," Fu, the vice foreign minister, said.

The travel arrangements have been viewed as a response to the suggestion China is no longer a developing country and that it should take on more international responsibilities.

Qu Xing, a research fellow at the foreign ministry, said the arrangement helped China and the EU reach consensus about China's development, with which the two sides can have a more comprehensive and balanced view about the China-EU relationship.

Ashton's visit to the land-locked Chinese province of Guizhou "also sent the positive signal that the EU wants to know more about China," Qu added.

China-EU relations have endured some twists and turns in recent years. Nevertheless, facing the changing international situation and global challenges, the European Union adjusted its China policy and now seeks coordination and cooperation with China in some international affairs, Qu said.

The EU wants to have a larger voice in international affairs. China wants to keep a multilateral situation. These elements impelled the two sides to further develop their relationship. The two sides do not have fundamental conflicts in interests. This dialogue will help them deepen understanding and further promote the development of China-EU relations, Qu said.

After her stay in Guizhou, Ashton flew to Beijing Wednesday evening, where she will meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and have talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.