Economic interests, traditional friendship, cohesive forces in China-CEE relations

Economic interests and traditional friendship have become cohesive forces in the relationship between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, as the just-concluded China-CEE summit turned a new page in bilateral cooperation.[Special coverage]

Scholars contend that a cohesive force in international relations can help countries get along with each other in harmony.

China and CEE countries can enhance their cohesiveness thanks to their economic complementarity.

Many CEE countries have strong demands for economic restructuring,infrastructure upgrading and investment to promote economic growth, while China has advantages in capital and technology, and competitiveness -- especially in areas such as high-speed railways and expressways, as well as nuclear, wind, hydraulic and photovoltaic power.

China-CEE cooperation also can create investment and trade opportunities for Chinese companies.

Leaders at the summit reached the consensus that China-CEE cooperation accommodates their own development characteristics and demands for cooperation, while also serving the common wishes and interests of the two peoples.

According to the action guideline issued after the summit, the two sides will enhance economic cooperation in areas ranging from investment, trade and finance to interconnection, energy, environmental protection and scientific innovation.

Cooperation in some fields has already yielded fruit -- China, Hungary and Serbia have reached an agreement to jointly build a railway between Hungary and Serbia.

At the same time, many CEE countries are more interested in the question of how China can be the only major economy in the world that maintains rapid growth.

International observers say China's development dividends can benefit the world. Therefore, exploring converging interests with China and sharing China's experience in development have become a consensus among CEE leaders.

The traditional friendship between China and CEE countries also adds to their cohesiveness.

In a signed article published by major news media of CEE countries ahead of the summit, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said CEE countries were among the first to recognize the establishment of the People's Republic of China more than 60 years ago, starting a new chapter in bilateral friendly cooperation.

In the 21st century, China's reform and opening up has entered a new phase, while CEE countries made progress in transition to market economies. Bilateral relations have been refreshed under new historical conditions, Li said.

Strengthening people-to-people exchanges, which was also elaborated on in the action guideline, will deepen the friendship between China and CEE countries.

Last but not least, enhancing the cohesiveness between China and CEE countries sits well with the current international situation. In a global landscape, cooperation with CEE countries demonstrates the positive image of China as an emerging power.

With more mature performances on the multilateral global stage, China has delivered the spirit of win-win cooperation, equality and respect when handling international relations, which in turn has struck a sympathetic chord in other countries.