Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) –Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left the capital this morning on a 5 day European tour ending February 2nd. Chinese press describe the tour a “trip of confidence” because it aims to restart relations between China and Europe, damaged last year by the massacres which took place in Tibet in March, as well as the difficulties between Beijing and the European Union linked to the global economic crises.
Wen will make official visits to Switzerland, Germany, the EU headquarters, Spain and Britain. He will also attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
Analysts note that there are no stops in France during this trip. Relations between Beijing and Paris have been tense since President Nicolas Sarkozy decided to meet the Dalai Lama in Gdansk last year.
Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo characterized Premier Wen's tour as a "trip of confidence", saying it set out China's determination to stick to reform and opening up, boost economic development, deepen Sino-EU cooperation and join hands with the international community to tide over the financial crisis..
Wu also said China is negotiating with the four European countries and the European Union on releasing joint documents on strengthening financial cooperation and lodging a package of policy tools. In addition, China will sign with these countries a series of documents on cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and education,.
The EU's trade deficit with mainland hit a record 160 billion euros (7 billion) in 2007 and has continued to expand, fanning an EU block on mainland-made goods (shoes and garments to most recently screws, steel fasteners, steel rods etc..).
China, meanwhile has partly addressed Europe's complaints about currency exchange rates by allowing the Yuan to rise sharply against the Euro.
The global crises is hitting both economic giants: in China many factories are closet as a result of the reduction in investments and exports; in Europe growth is almost at zero.
Photo Xinhua: Wen Jiabao cooks food for Sichuan earthquake survivors