China 'willing' to seek EU investment treaty

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Federica Mogherini, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in Beijing, capital of China, May 6, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier calls for pressing forward negotiations in meeting with visiting high representative

Premier Li Keqiang said the economic goals of China and the European Union can dovetail naturally with a win-win strategy.

Li made the remark in Beijing during a meeting with Federica Mogherini, the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy. Mogherini is also vice-president of the European Commission.

Li said in a written statement that China wants to ensure stable economic growth through reforms and opening-up. A closer relationship in trade and investment, Li said, will contribute to both sides' ability to deal with the global economic recession.

"China is willing to push forward talks for a bilateral investment treaty" built on the idea of equal treatment for investors and Chinese companies, he said, adding that a treaty would include a "negative list" - a narrow list of areas off-limits to outside investors.

Li praised the progress made in China-EU relations since the two established bilateral ties 40 years ago, saying that a well-managed relationship will have a positive impact on regional and global peace and stability.

Li also said China and the EU should communicate better on climate change and work out a sustainable path toward environmental sustainability.