PV\1070937EN.doc PE557.934v01-00

EN United in diversity EN

European Parliament2014-2019

Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China

D-CN_PV(2015)0701_01

MINUTESof the meeting of 1 July 2015, 15.00-16.30

Brussel

The meeting opened at 15.05 on Wednesday, 1 July 2015, with Jo Leinen (Chair) presiding.

1. Adoption of draft agenda

The draft agenda was adopted without modifications.

2. Adoption of minutes of the meeting of 10 June 2015

The minutes of the meeting of 10 June 2015 will be deemed approved if no changes are suggested within the next three working days. Translations will be sent by e-mail.

3. Chair's announcements

The Chair drew the attention of Members to the EEAS press statement included in the dossier about the vote on Hong Kong electoral reform on 18 June with the government's reform proposal being voted down. As a result no reform is likely in the near future.

He also summarised recent significant developments including:

China's submission of its climate action plan (INDC) to the UN ahead of the Paris COP21 later this year, which contains no surprising developments; it states it will ''work hard'' to peak emissions ahead of 2030, but also includes some more encouraging prospects for increases in renewables and natural gas.

The dramatic fall in Chinese stock markets over the last two weeks.

The signing ceremony on 29 June establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, to be based in Beijing, with some 56 countries joining China as founder members, including 12 EU Member States. (NB: Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK) It has also been announced that the New Development Bank (BRICS bank) will be operational

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by year-end and will be headquartered in Shanghai.

China has announced that ''some'' of its land reclamation projects in the South China Sea have been completed, but it remains to be seen more precisely which these projects are and what is still to be done.

The Chair then gave the floor to the EEAS for the following point.

4. Debriefing by the EEAS representatives on the 17th EU/China Summit of 29/6/2015

The EEAS was represented by George Cunningham, Deputy Head of Division for China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia. Mr Cunningham noted that while the circumstances of the ongoing Greek crisis had made preparations difficult, ultimately the planned Summit programme had been maintained. In that context, China gave clear messages of support both in privte and public for a strong unified Europe and eurozone.

Events on the day of the Summit included: a meeting with President Schulz, the Summit itself between President Tusk, Preisdent Juncker and Premier Li including a ''tete-a-tete'' for ''leaders only''(plus Chinese Foreign Minister Wang), as well as the plenary session, eight agreements signed, a joint press conference with Premier Li for the first tme, and three side events – the Business Summit, Innovation Dialogue and the Urbanisation Forum.

At the summit, Commission President Juncker led on discussions on the EFSI. China made a proposal -- not discussed prior to the Summit -- for an ''EU-China Investment Fund" which will need further clarification. Premier Li also introduced the idea of China and the EU working together on investment and trade in third countries.

Council President Tusk discussed Ukraine/Russia during the tete-a-tete. He, continued to raise largely foreign policy and human rights concerns during the summit plenary, terming human rights integral to Summit discussions in a change from the previous approach. He cited particular concern over the new draft NGO law that in his view will damage China's own interests by depriving civil society of the chance to support national goals in such realms as health, the environment, education and the like. He urged re-engagement by China with representatives of the Dalai Lama, as well as calling for release of moderate academic Ilham Toti who could help bridge ethnic divisions in Xinjiang. The cases of Pu Zhiqiang, Gao Yu and Tang Jingling were raised by name. In response, Premier Li acknowledged the importance of NGOs and claimed the new law would be helpful. At the press conference, the points on the Dalai Lama and human rights were reiterated by the Council President

At the dinner, there was further discussion on foreign policy matters. Questions on the South China Sea maritime disputes were addressed by the Chinese Foreign Minister to the effect that there was nothing new in reclamation activity, which was aimed at upgrading and improving facilities in the area, and China had almost completed what it intended to do.

Preparation of the Summit Joint Statement required tough negotiation; a notable

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positive outcome was the announcement of 15 centres for EU Member State visa processing across China in cities where there are no consulates, to ease Chinese travel to the EU. Others included the establishment of a connectivity platform and a legal affairs dialogue. Market Economy Status was not mentioned, nor anything new about Chinese demands for a free trade agreement.

The EEAS also outlined the climate change statement and listed the 8 agreements that were signed in areas including intellectual property rights, Customs, and research. Next steps will include the High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in Beijing in late September, with considerable participation at Commissioner level, the People-to-People Dialogue in Brussels also in September, and the Human Rights Dialogue, likely in November in China.

In summary, the Summit featured good personal rapport between the leaders for whom this was the first such opportunity to meet in this format, China’s public support for Europe, Premier Li’s first appearance at a summit joint press conference in Brussels, and new Chinese ideas particularly on trade and economic cooperation. All documents are available on the EEAS website.

The Chair appreciated China’s comments supporting EU unity and noted with particular interest the establishment of the connectivity platform and new investment possibilities and requested that further details be provided when they become available.

Mrs TRÜPEL (DE, Verts/ALE) seconded the Chair's comments and inquired if the human rights situation as elaborated on by the President of the Council was in fact worsening. Mrs RODRIGUES (PT, S&D) complimented the good collaboration between the Parliament and the EEAS, notably in respect of regional policy discussions, and found the various investment initiatives positive, also seeking further information on them, particularly with respect to innovation. Mr VANDENKENDELAERE (NL, EPP) requested further information on maritime disputes.

The EEAS replied that at the moment no further information on the Chinese proposed investment fund is available and that any such initiative would likely be incorporated within the EFSI framework. On human rights the position in China is not improving and tougher reactions by Chinese security forces in Xinjiang only seem to be exacerbating the situation, as emphasised by the President of the Council. On maritime issues, China argued that their efforts in the South China Sea would not provoke incidents and that present South China Sea reclamation work is ''de minimis'', does not impinge on freedom of navigation and is not of concern to the EU. The European response was that there are legitimate concerns due to the significance of EU trade and the need to maintain peace and security in the region.

The Chair thanked the EEAS and reiterated the Delegation's interest in further information in particular on the connectivity platform, investment fund and the High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in September.

5. Presentation on animal welfare issues in China by

Mr Edmund Haferbeck, expert of the German NGO PETA

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The Chair then gave the floor to Mr Haferbeck of PETA who made a presentation on animal welfare and related legislation in China (presentation in Annex to minutes). Particular attention was paid to the absence of important regulations on testing of cosmetics, for example, on animals, an areas in which PETA is offering education and awareness of non-animal testing methods, which would make such products more acceptable for export. Many animals are farmed (chickens in cage farms) or their products harvested (angora from rabbits by live plucking) in ways that would not be acceptable under European legislation or to European consumers. Slaughter may also be conducted in ways and under conditions that would not be acceptable in Europe and some products are deceptively labelled or exported, such as dog hides termed ''lambskin'' for gloves, for example.

An ambitious draft of an animal protection law was producted during the 2008-2009 period with input from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, but there has been no apparent action on it since further revisions weakening the proposal in 2011. Suggested interventions by the European Parliament could urge a scientific basis for animal welfare protection in China, cruelty-free transport for live animals and stress reduction around slaughter conditions, as well as a ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

The Chair thanked PETA for the presentation, noting that the showing of their ''least offensive'' video was already very worrying and that it would be instructive to find out more about the progress of the legislative proposal mentioned.

Mrs TRÜPEL found it important for MEPs to play a role and point out that elimination of animal testing is possible; she also inquired about the conditions for NGOs in China. Mr ECK (DE, GUE/NGL) pointed to China's self-interest in being able to export agricultural goods and the importance of standards, as well as underlining the importance of a moral basis to European politics.

The PETA representative replied that investigation of conditions by NGOs is so far permitted in China, but can be very dangerous to undertake; PETA urges improvement so as to improve China's image. He also urged that European legislation be amended to extend the present fur ban to leather imports and to urge improvement of standardsin, for example, the angora sector, where it would not be practical to ban imports. European brands, however, would surely prefer to have their products known for compliance with higher and more responsible standards. Working with economic partners could be win-win for China and for Europe.

6. 37th EU/China Interparliamentary Meeting (Beijing & Shenyang, 20-24/7/2015)

The Chair directed the Delegation's attention to draft documents related to the IPM and noted that further elaboration of them would occur shortly in concert with the Members travelling.

7. Any other business

None.

8. Date and place of next meeting

The date and place of the next meeting will be advised by the Secretariat, as

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previously requested dates have not been approved.

The meeting closed at 16.05.

Annexes: Summit press release and joint statement.

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ПРИСЪСТВЕН ЛИСТ/LISTA DE ASISTENCIA/PREZENČNÍ LISTINA/DELTAGERLISTE/ ANWESENHEITSLISTE/KOHALOLIJATE NIMEKIRI/ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ ΠΑΡΟΝΤΩΝ/RECORD OF ATTENDANCE/

LISTE DE PRÉSENCE/POPIS NAZOČNIH/ELENCO DI PRESENZA/APMEKLĒJUMU REĢISTRS/DALYVIŲ SĄRAŠAS/ JELENLÉTI ÍV/REĠISTRU TA' ATTENDENZA/PRESENTIELIJST/LISTA OBECNOŚCI/LISTA DE PRESENÇAS/

LISTĂ DE PREZENŢĂ/PREZENČNÁ LISTINA/SEZNAM NAVZOČIH/LÄSNÄOLOLISTA/DELTAGARLISTA

Бюро/Mesa/Předsednictvo/Formandskabet/Vorstand/Juhatus/Προεδρείο/Bureau/Predsjedništvo/Ufficio di presidenza/Prezidijs/ Biuras/Elnökség/Prezydium/Birou/Predsedníctvo/Predsedstvo/Puheenjohtajisto/Presidiet (*)

Jo Leinen (P), Frank Engel (2VP)

Членове/Diputados/Poslanci/Medlemmer/Mitglieder/Parlamendiliikmed/Μέλη/Members/Députés/Zastupnici/Deputati/Deputāti/Nariai/Képviselõk/Membri/Leden/Posłowie/Deputados/Deputaţi/Jäsenet/Ledamöter

Wim van de Camp, Stefan Eck, Ingeborg Gräßle, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, Angelika Mlinar, Dominique Riquet, Maria João Rodrigues, Helga Trüpel, István Ujhelyi, Tom Vandenkendelaere

Заместници/Suplentes/Náhradníci/Stedfortrædere/Stellvertreter/Asendusliikmed/Αναπληρωτές/Substitutes/Suppléants/Zamjenici/ Supplenti/Aizstājēji/Pavaduojantysnariai/Póttagok/Sostituti/Plaatsvervangers/Zastępcy/Membros suplentes/Supleanţi/Náhradníci/Namestniki/Varajäsenet/Suppleanter

Werner Langen

200 (2)

206 (3)

53 (6) (Точка от дневния ред/Punto del orden del día/Bod pořadu jednání (OJ)/Punkt på dagsordenen/Tagesordnungspunkt/ Päevakorra punkt/Ημερήσια Διάταξη Σημείο/Agenda item/Point OJ/Točka dnevnog reda/Punto all'ordine del giorno/Darba kārtības punkts/Darbotvarkės punktas/Napirendi pont/Punt Aġenda/Agendapunt/Punkt porządku dziennego/Ponto OD/Punct de pe ordinea de zi/Bod programu schôdze/Točka UL/Esityslistan kohta/Föredragningslista punkt)

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Наблюдатели/Observadores/Pozorovatelé/Observatører/Beobachter/Vaatlejad/Παρατηρητές/Observers/Observateurs/Promatrači/ Osservatori/Novērotāji/Stebėtojai/Megfigyelők/Osservaturi/Waarnemers/Obserwatorzy/Observadores/Observatori/Pozorovatelia/ Opazovalci/Tarkkailijat/Observatörer

По покана на председателя/Por invitación del presidente/Na pozvání předsedy/Efter indbydelse fra formanden/Auf Einladung des Vorsitzenden/Esimehe kutsel/Με πρόσκληση του Προέδρου/At the invitation of the Chair(wo)man/Sur l'invitation du président/ Na poziv predsjednika/Su invito del presidente/Pēc priekšsēdētāja uzaicinājuma/Pirmininkui pakvietus/Az elnök meghívására/ Fuq stedina taċ-'Chairman'/Op uitnodiging van de voorzitter/Na zaproszenie Przewodniczącego/A convite do Presidente/La invitaţia preşedintelui/Na pozvanie predsedu/Na povabilo predsednika/Puheenjohtajan kutsusta/På ordförandens inbjudan

Съвет/Consejo/Rada/Rådet/Rat/Nõukogu/Συμβούλιο/Council/Conseil/Vijeće/Consiglio/Padome/Taryba/Tanács/Kunsill/Raad/ Conselho/Consiliu/Svet/Neuvosto/Rådet (*)

Комисия/Comisión/Komise/Kommissionen/Kommission/Euroopa Komisjon/Επιτροπή/Commission/Komisija/Commissione/Bizottság/ Kummissjoni/Commissie/Komisja/Comissão/Comisie/Komisia/Komissio/Kommissionen (*)

Европейска служба за външна дейност/Servicio Europeo de Acción Exterior/Evropská služba pro vnější činnost/ EU-Udenrigstjenesten/Europäischer Auswärtiger Dienst/Euroopa välisteenistus/Ευρωπαϊκή Υπηρεσία Εξωτερικής Δράσης/European External Action service/Service européen pour l'action extérieure/Europska služba za vanjsko djelovanje/Servizio europeo per l’azione esterna/Eiropas Ārējās darbības dienests/Europos išorės veiksmų tarnyba/Európai Külügyi Szolgálat/Servizz Ewropew għall-Azzjoni Esterna/Europese dienst voor extern optreden/Europejska Służba Działań Zewnętrznych/Serviço Europeu para a Acção Externa/ Serviciul european pentru acţiune externă/Európska služba pre vonkajšiu činnosť/Evropska služba za zunanje delovanje/Euroopanulkosuhdehallinto/Europeiska avdelningen för yttre åtgärd (*)

Други институции/Otras instituciones/Ostatní orgány a instituce/Andre institutioner/Andere Organe/Muud institutsioonid/ Άλλα θεσμικά όργανα/Other institutions/Autres institutions/Druge institucije/Altre istituzioni/Citas iestādes/Kitos institucijos/ Más intézmények/Istituzzjonijiet oħra/Andere instellingen/Inne instytucje/Outras Instituições/Alte instituţii/Iné inštitúcie/Muut toimielimet/Andra institutioner/organ

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Други участници/Otros participantes/Ostatní účastníci/Endvidere deltog/Andere Teilnehmer/Muud osalejad/Επίσης Παρόντες/Other participants/Autres participants/Drugi sudionici/Altri partecipanti/Citi klātesošie/Kiti dalyviai/Más résztvevők/Parteċipanti ohra/Andere aanwezigen/Inni uczestnicy/Outros participantes/Alţi participanţi/Iní účastníci/Drugi udeleženci/Muut osallistujat/Övriga deltagare

HAFERBECK (PETA), SHAOTMA (COLLEGE OF EUROPE)

Секретариат на политическите групи/Secretaría de los Grupos políticos/Sekretariát politických skupin/Gruppernes sekretariat/ Sekretariat der Fraktionen/Fraktsioonide sekretariaat/Γραμματεία των Πολιτικών Ομάδων/Secretariats of political groups/Secrétariat des groupes politiques/Tajništva klubova zastupnika/Segreteria gruppi politici/Politisko grupu sekretariāts/Frakcijų sekretoriai/ Képviselőcsoportok titkársága/Segretarjat gruppi politiċi/Fractiesecretariaten/Sekretariat Grup Politycznych/Secr. dos grupospolíticos/Secretariate grupuri politice/Sekretariát politických skupín/Sekretariat političnih skupin/Poliittisten ryhmien sihteeristöt/ Gruppernas sekretariat

PPE

S&D

ALDE

ECR

Verts/ALE

GUE/NGL

EFDD

NI

HAHN

MATEI, SONG

MEISSONNIER, BAECUS

GULBE

MIGLIORI

MANTA

Кабинет на председателя/Gabinete del Presidente/Kancelář předsedy/Formandens Kabinet/Kabinett des Präsidenten/Presidendi kantselei/Γραφείο Προέδρου/President's Office/Cabinet du Président/Ured predsjednika/Gabinetto del Presidente/Priekšsēdētāja kabinets/Pirmininko kabinetas/Elnöki hivatal/Kabinett tal-President/Kabinet van de Voorzitter/Gabinet Przewodniczącego/Gabinete do Presidente/Cabinet Preşedinte/Kancelária predsedu/Urad predsednika/Puhemiehen kabinetti/Talmannens kansli

Кабинет на генералния секретар/Gabinete del Secretario General/Kancelář generálního tajemníka/Generalsekretærens Kabinet/ Kabinett des Generalsekretärs/Peasekretäri büroo/Γραφείο Γενικού Γραμματέα/Secretary-General's Office/Cabinet du Secrétaire général/Ured glavnog tajnika/Gabinetto del Segretario generale/Ģenerālsekretāra kabinets/Generalinio sekretoriaus kabinetas/ Főtitkári hivatal/Kabinett tas-Segretarju Ġenerali/Kabinet van de secretaris-generaal/Gabinet Sekretarza Generalnego/Gabinete do Secretário-Geral/Cabinet Secretar General/Kancelária generálneho tajomníka/Urad generalnega sekretarja/Pääsihteerin kabinetti/ Generalsekreterarens kansli

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Генерална дирекция/Dirección General/Generální ředitelství/Generaldirektorat/Generaldirektion/Peadirektoraat/Γενική Διεύθυνση/ Directorate-General/Direction générale/Glavna uprava/Direzione generale/Ģenerāldirektorāts/Generalinis direktoratas/Főigazgatóság/ Direttorat Ġenerali/Directoraten-generaal/Dyrekcja Generalna/Direcção-Geral/Direcţii Generale/Generálne riaditeľstvo/Generalni direktorat/Pääosasto/Generaldirektorat

DG PRES

DG IPOL

DG EXPO

DG EPRS

DG COMM

DG PERS

DG INLO

DG TRAD

DG INTE

DG FINS

DG ITEC

DG SAFE

VANDEWALLE, BENDINI, MEHRUNNISA

Правна служба/Servicio Jurídico/Právní služba/Juridisk Tjeneste/Juristischer Dienst/Õigusteenistus/Νομική Υπηρεσία/Legal Service/ Service juridique/Pravna služba/Servizio giuridico/Juridiskais dienests/Teisės tarnyba/Jogi szolgálat/Servizz legali/Juridische Dienst/ Wydział prawny/Serviço Jurídico/Serviciu Juridic/Právny servis/Oikeudellinen yksikkö/Rättstjänsten

Секретариат на комисията/Secretaría de la comisión/Sekretariát výboru/Udvalgssekretariatet/Ausschusssekretariat/Komisjoni sekretariaat/Γραμματεία επιτροπής/Committee secretariat/Secrétariat de la commission/Tajništvo odbora/Segreteria della commissione/ Komitejas sekretariāts/Komiteto sekretoriatas/A bizottság titkársága/Segretarjat tal-kumitat/Commissiesecretariaat/Sekretariat komisji/ Secretariado da comissão/Secretariat comisie/Sekretariat odbora/Valiokunnan sihteeristö/Utskottssekretariatet

MITCHELL

Сътрудник/Asistente/Asistent/Assistent/Assistenz/Βοηθός/Assistant/Assistente/Palīgs/Padėjėjas/Asszisztens/Asystent/Pomočnik/ Avustaja/Assistenter

AZPIRI LEJARDI

* (P) = Председател/Presidente/Předseda/Formand/Vorsitzender/Esimees/Πρόεδρος/Chair(wo)man/Président/Predsjednik/Priekšsēdētājs/ Pirmininkas/Elnök/'Chairman'/Voorzitter/Przewodniczący/Preşedinte/Predseda/Predsednik/Puheenjohtaja/Ordförande

(VP) = Заместник-председател/Vicepresidente/Místopředseda/Næstformand/Stellvertretender Vorsitzender/Aseesimees/Αντιπρόεδρος/ Vice-Chair(wo)man/Potpredsjednik/Vice-Président/Potpredsjednik/Priekšsēdētāja vietnieks/Pirmininko pavaduotojas/Alelnök/ Viċi 'Chairman'/Ondervoorzitter/Wiceprzewodniczący/Vice-Presidente/Vicepreşedinte/Podpredseda/Podpredsednik/ Varapuheenjohtaja/Vice ordförande

(M) = Член/Miembro/Člen/Medlem./Mitglied/Parlamendiliige/Μέλος/Member/Membre/Član/Membro/Deputāts/Narys/Képviselő/ Membru/Lid/Członek/Membro/Membru/Člen/Poslanec/Jäsen/Ledamot

(F) = Длъжностно лице/Funcionario/Úředník/Tjenestemand/Beamter/Ametnik/Υπάλληλος/Official/Fonctionnaire/Dužnosnik/ Funzionario/Ierēdnis/Pareigūnas/Tisztviselő/Uffiċjal/Ambtenaar/Urzędnik/Funcionário/Funcţionar/Úradník/Uradnik/Virkamies/ Tjänsteman

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29 June, 2015 EU-China Summit joint statement

The way forward after forty years of EU-China cooperation

1. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, and Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China met in Brussels for the 17th EU-China Summit.

2. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, the Leaders acknowledged that the relationship has made significant strides in the political, economic, social, environmental and cultural fields. The EU supported China’s commitment to deepening reform comprehensively as well as China’s goal of building up a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China expressed its support for the EU’s efforts in promoting growth, investment and regulatory reform plans.

3. Both sides stressed the importance they attach to the EU-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in promoting peace, prosperity and sustainable development for the benefit of all. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilisation, based on the principles of mutual respect, trust, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, by comprehensively implementing the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation.

4. Both sides fully recognised the progress achieved in the implementation of the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation. A bilateral review mechanism at officials’ level will be established to monitor follow-up. Both sides agreed at this Summit on a set of priorities to reinforce their bilateral cooperation and enhance the global dimension of their strategic partnership.

5. Both sides confirmed their strong interest in each other's flagship initiatives, namely the Investment Plan for Europe, and the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” (The Belt and Road Initiative). Leaders decided to support synergies between these initiatives, and directed the EU-China High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in September to develop practical avenues for mutually beneficial co-operation, including through a possible China-EU co-investment vehicle.

6. The EU and China agreed to improve their infrastructure links. They decided to establish a new Connectivity Platform and to convene its first meeting as soon as possible in order to (i) share information, promote seamless traffic flows and transport facilitation, and develop synergies between their relevant initiatives and projects; (ii) identify co-operation opportunities between their respective policies and sources of funding, including the Trans-European Networks and The Belt and Road Initiative, and; (iii) actively explore business and investment opportunities open to both China and the European side, and; (iv) create a favourable environment for sustainable and inter-operable cross-border infrastructure networks in countries and regions between the EU and China.

7. Both sides welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the Articles of Agreement for the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and recognised the support rendered by the EU and its Member States. They stressed that the AIIB should complement the existing multilateral development banks in addressing Asia's extensive needs for infrastructure

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investment in a sustainable manner, and anticipated that it will begin operating at an early date. The EU looked forward to co-operating with the AIIB in the future. 2

8. Both sides stressed the high importance of close economic, monetary and financial cooperation, and expressed satisfaction with progress made in the EU-China Economic and Financial Dialogue and the Working Group between the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the European Central Bank (ECB).

9. Both sides acknowledged the key role of the digital economy in their societies and the importance of close cooperation in that field, and agreed to deepen dialogues and cooperation in areas of ICT. To this purpose the EU-China High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue will dedicate part of its September 2015 meeting in Beijing to the digital economy.

10. The EU and China view the ongoing investment agreement negotiations as one of the most important issues in EU-China bilateral economic and trade relations. While welcoming the progress made so far, the two sides are determined to intensify their efforts aiming at the expeditious conclusion of an ambitious and comprehensive Investment Agreement. This Agreement shall include investment protection, market access and other elements further facilitating investment. The priority for the negotiating teams is now to seek convergence on the scope of the Agreement and establish a joint text by the end of 2015. Negotiating and concluding such a comprehensive EU-China Investment Agreement will convey both sides’ joint commitment towards stronger cooperation as well as their willingness to envisage broader ambitions including, once the conditions are right, towards a deep and comprehensive FTA, as a longer term perspective.

11. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to an open global economy and a fair, transparent and rules-based trade and investment environment, guaranteeing a level playing field and opposing protectionism. Both sides will make full use of the existing bilateral mechanisms to strengthen communication, handle major bilateral trade frictions through dialogue and consultation as a preferred option, and, if needed, through negotiations, with an objective of finding mutually beneficial solutions.

12. Both sides agreed to work for the rapid resolution of outstanding issues in order to strive for the early conclusion of the negotiations on a comprehensive Geographical Indications agreement.

13. Both sides reconfirmed the importance of the EU-China IP Dialogue and applauded the progress achieved in the past 10 years. They reconfirmed their commitment to reinforcing cooperation on the protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property. They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on reinforcing the EU-China IP Dialogue Mechanism, which upgrades the IP Dialogue Mechanism to vice-ministerial level, requests the Dialogue Mechanism to report progress to the EU-China High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue, and sets combating online counterfeiting and piracy as a priority.

14. The EU and China confirmed their commitment to implement the Strategic Framework for Customs Cooperation and the importance of enhancing customs connectivity, implementing mutual recognition of Authorised Economic Operators and fighting against customs fraud, in order to facilitate and accelerate trade and combat illicit flows of goods.

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15. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the G20 as the premier forum for international economic co-operation. The EU expressed its support for the Chinese chair of the 2016 G20 Summit and the successful implementation of the G20 comprehensive growth strategies, employment plans and other agreed initiatives. The EU and China reaffirmed their commitment to following WTO rules and to strengthening the multilateral trading system under the WTO by concluding the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), including the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)

3 by the December 2015 WTO Ministerial Conference. Both sides agreed to work further together to attain concrete outcomes in multilateral and all plurilateral negotiations.

16. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the area of research and innovation as a driver for economic and social development and a key element of EU-China relations. They welcomed the outcome of the High Level Innovation Cooperation Dialogue held in the margins of the Summit. They agreed to work together to harness each other’s comparative advantages in such areas as innovation policy, mobility and training of researchers, commercialisation of R&D results, technology dissemination and sharing of research facilities and framework conditions for innovation. It was agreed to set up a mechanism for jointly financing research and innovation projects in areas of mutual interest, as well as to promote and monitor reciprocity of access to the EU and China’s respective research and innovation funding programmes.

17. Both sides welcomed the deepening of the EU-China Urbanisation Partnership, with active co-operation in urban planning and design, public services, green buildings and smart transportation, and agreed to launch new joint programmes involving Chinese and EU cities and companies. They encouraged both sides to strengthen their dialogue on regional policies, and to promote pragmatic and effective co-operation by expanding the scope of regions involved in pilot projects, and deepening co-operation on twinning.

18. The EU and China agreed to enhance cooperation to address key environmental challenges such as air, water and soil pollution. They will also reinforce their cooperation in line with the China Europe Water Platform Work Programme (2015-2017).

19. Both sides recognised that climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, and that they play critical roles in addressing global climate issues. The two sides adopted a separate joint statement.

20. The EU and China expressed their commitment to cooperate in the field of energy in order to tackle jointly the multiple challenges related to energy security, global energy architecture, climate change and environmental degradation. In order to take their cooperation forward, the two parties agreed to prepare an energy cooperation roadmap for signature in the coming months.

21. The EU and China acknowledged that people-to-people exchanges, including cooperation in the areas of culture, higher education, youth, multilingualism and gender equality are vital to deepen mutual understanding, foster innovation and creativity, and enhance contacts between the peoples of both sides. They agreed to hold the 3rd round of the EU-China High Level People-to-People Dialogue in September 2015 in Brussels. Both sides supported the development of EU-China cooperation on sustainable tourism.

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22. Both sides welcomed the agreement on the minutes of the second round of the EU-China Migration and Mobility Dialogue with the roadmap for relevant agreements and arrangements, and launched the immediate implementation of that roadmap. This roadmap includes, in the first stage to be completed by the end of 2015, negotiation and signing of a mutual visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders, the opening of visa application centres in mutually agreed Chinese cities without consular presence as specified in the roadmap, and launching practical cooperation in combating illegal migration, and, in the second stage, negotiation of agreements on visa facilitation and cooperation in combating illegal migration.

23. Both sides shared the view that it is necessary to deepen understanding of each other’s legal 4 systems, and agreed to establish an EU-China Legal Affairs Dialogue for policy exchanges, mutual learning and cooperation in legal affairs.

24. The two sides welcomed the recent contacts between Europol and China's Ministry of Public Security as a step towards reinforcing EU-China co-operation in combating transnational crime.

25. Both sides reasserted their commitment to enhancing their consultations and cooperation on foreign and security policy in the framework of the EU-China High Level Strategic Dialogue, continuing regular exchanges on Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Latin America as well as disarmament and non-proliferation. They agreed to enhance their exchanges on anti-terrorism at the bilateral and multilateral level.

26. Both sides agreed to further develop their cooperation on defence and security, building on their successful anti-piracy joint exercises in the Gulf of Aden. The forthcoming visit of the Chinese Defence Minister to Brussels will provide the opportunity to enhance cooperation in new areas of common interest, including support for peace and security in Africa.

27. In the context of the United Nations' 70th anniversary, the EU and China reiterated the importance of building a stronger and more effective multilateral system based on the UN Charter and international law to face increasing global challenges and promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Both sides committed to develop further their bilateral exchanges and cooperation on peace and security under the UN umbrella.

28. The EU and China agreed to enhance exchanges on human rights at the bilateral and international level on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and confirmed their readiness to cooperate under the UN human rights mechanisms. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of their Human Rights Dialogue in China in November, and looked forward to the visit of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to China in the same month.

29. The EU and China agreed to further strengthen their cooperation to ensure a successful outcome to the post-2015 development agenda through intergovernmental negotiations. Both sides look forward to a successful and practical outcome to support the implementation of this agenda at the 3rd Financing for Development Conference. The EU and China committed to enhance exchanges on best practice regarding issues such as climate change, environment/biodiversity, global health and infrastructure in their respective development assistance policies. They agreed to explore operational development coordination in synergy with local partners, including in Africa.

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30. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of United Nations. China and Europe are amongst those who built and maintained the post-World War II international order based on the UN Charter. We will continue to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter, and their universality, and work actively for peace, development and human rights in international relations, the rule of law in international governance, and a more equitable international order.

31. Both China and the EU are convinced that the conflict in Ukraine can only be solved by diplomatic means and through full respect for international law. They called on all sides to fully assume their responsibility and to implement their commitments under the Minsk agreements. On Afghanistan, the two sides emphasised their support for an “Afghan led and Afghan owned” peace and reconciliation process. The EU and China agreed that efforts should continue towards addressing the 5 acute crises in Syria, Libya and Yemen by working towards negotiated political solutions under the aegis of the United Nations.

32. The EU and China emphasised that they share common interests in peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means, to contribute to long term peace and stability in the region. They reiterated their commitment to work for the early attainment of a mutually-agreed long-term comprehensive solution that ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, and commended the positive progress to this end in the E3/EU+3 nuclear negotiations, co-ordinated by the European Union.

33. Leaders of the two sides congratulated each other on the success of the 10th China-EU Business Summit, the 2015 China-EU Urbanisation Partnership Forum, the 2nd China-EU Innovation Cooperation Dialogue, the 6th China-EU Dialogue on Information Technology, Telecommunication and Information, the 10th Round of the IP Dialogue on the occasion of its 10th anniversary which took place on the occasion of the Summit. They applauded the important joint documents signed during the Summit as listed in annex. 6

Annex List of documents signed during the 17th EU-China Summit (Brussels, 29 June) � Memorandum of Understanding on reinforcing the EU-China IP Dialogue Mechanism.

� Joint Statement between the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China And the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission on comprehensively deepening EU-China cooperation in regional policy.

� Joint Statement welcoming the Renewal of the EU-China Science and Technology Agreement..

� Implementing Arrangement between the European Research Council and the National NaturalScience Foundation of China.

� Joint Statement between the European Commission and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China regarding mutual recognition of the classified management of enterprises program in the People's Republic of China and the authorized economic operator programme in the European Union.

� Strategic administrative cooperation arrangement between the General Administration of Customs, the People's Republic of China and the European Anti-Fraud Office on Cooperation in Combatting Customs Fraud.

� Collaborative Research Arrangement between the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth .

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� Joint Letter of Intent between the European Committee for Standardization, the EuropeanCommittee for Electrotechnical Standardization and the Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China.

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