Chinese VP meets European parliamentary delegation

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met on Wednesday with a delegation from the Socialist Group of the European Parliament, headed by Chairman Hannes Swoboda. Li said China and Europe are both at a crucial period of development, with plenty of opportunities and huge potential for cooperation. The two sides should strengthen political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and jointly oppose trade protectionism, so as to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation and common development, he said. The Communist Party of China is ready to work with the Socialist Group of the European Parliament to deepen friendly exchanges and increase mutual understanding and cooperation in order to advance China-Europe comprehensive strategic partnership, he said. Swoboda said Europe is concerned about China's reform, noting that the cooperation between the two sides has huge potential. He also expressed willingness to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the two sides.