国内英语新闻:Senior diplomats: Premier Wen's Europe visit to deepen China-EU ties

China hopes Wen's visit will help the two countries map out a blueprint for the future development of bilateral relations.

As for the eighth ASEM, Fu said it is an informal, trans-regional platform for dialogue and cooperation.

The ASEM summit, under the theme "Quality of Life: Achieving Greater Well-being and More Dignity for all Citizens," will focus on global finance and economic governance, sustainable development, and social and cultural exchange between Asia and Europe.

The upcoming ASEM Summit will also admit three new members - Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

Fu said Wen will propose a series of initiatives during the ASEM summit.

She said China expects the ASEM summit to promote a balanced and sustainable recovery in the world economy.

China also hopes the meeting will step up climate change efforts and safeguard the peace and stability of Asia and Europe, she said.

As for the 13th China-EU summit, the first one between Chinese and EU leaders since the Lisbon Treaty took effect, Fu said China hopes the summit will be a new starting point for China-EU relations.

The focus of the meeting is the future direction of China-EU relations from the strategic perspective, the vice foreign minister said.

Besides the 13th China-EU summit, Wen will also attend the opening ceremony of the China-EU Business Summit and a high-level China-EU culture forum.

During his stay in Brussels, Wen will have several meetings with EU leaders. He will hold talks with Barroso and Van Rompuy. He will also meet with Eurogroup Chairman Jean-Claude Juncker, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet and Olli Rehn, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs.

China-EU relations have enjoyed smooth development in recent times with frequent exchanges.

Last year, Premier Wen paid two visits to Europe, which "strengthened the confidence of both sides to jointly cope with the financial crisis," Fu said.

This year, a string of senior EU leaders also visited China, including Barroso, European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.

China-EU trade has witnessed remarkable growth this year.

Bilateral trade volume for the first eight months exceeded 300 billion U.S. dollars, up 36.2 percent compared with the same period last year.

"The main aim of the summit is to exchange views on major issues. It is not surprising China and the European Union have some disputes given their different situations, culture and history. The two sides should have candid discussions about these disputes and not impose one's own opinion on the other," Fu said.

She said Wen's visit will promote the political relationship between China and the European Union, as well as relations between China and the four European countries.

Fu stressed "there is no change in China's support for the EU making strong policy to overcome its sovereign debt crisis."

"The EU and the whole of Europe are important partners for China, so it is important for China that they maintain a stable economic recovery. We will continue to do what we can to support the EU and European countries and provide assistance," she said.

The vice foreign minister also reiterated that China will not reduce its euro holdings, adding that it will take effective measures to maintain the stability of international financial markets.