Li's German tour promotes strategic partnership, co-op(3)

　　TO ADVANCE CHINA-EU TIES

"Germany is the first EU country I visit since taking office as Chinese premier," Li said. "That shows the Chinese new leadership highly values China's relations with the EU."

China always sees Europe from a strategic point of view and firmly supports European integration and the EU's efforts to tackle the debt crisis and maintain economic stability, the Chinese premier said.

China-EU relations face new opportunities as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Li noted.

He called on both sides to grasp the overall situation and the mainstream of their cooperation and properly handle their differences in order to make new strides in China-EU ties.

Both China and Germany voiced opposition to trade protectionism and the EU's trade actions against Chinese solar panels and mobile telecommunications equipments.

China hopes to properly settle the disputes through dialogue and consultation, instead of engaging in a trade war, Li said.

Merkel said Germany supports stronger EU-China cooperation, adding that Germany believes the EU and China should use dialogue and consultation to resolve the problems in their cooperation and make efforts to expand trade while avoiding frictions, so as to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.

Germany was the last leg of Li's first overseas trip since he took office in March, which has already taken him to India, Pakistan and Switzerland.