Part Three: Strengthen China-EU Cooperation in All Fields
III. The Education, Science-Technology,
Culture, Health and other Aspects
     
 

1. Cooperation in Science and Technology

It is essential to promote China-EU scientific and technological cooperation on the basis of the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity, sharing of results and protection of intellectual property rights. Joint development and cooperation on generic technologies and major technical equipment should be stepped up and Chinese institutions are encouraged to participate in the EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development. China will, on the premise of equality and mutual benefit and a balance between interests and obligations, participate in the Galileo Program and enhance cooperation in international "big science" projects. Full play should be given to the role of the Scientific and Technologic Cooperation Steering Committee and efforts should be made to ensure a successful China-Europe Science & Technology and Innovation Policy Forum. Cooperation between scientific and technological intermediary agencies of the two sides as well as the interflow and training of scientific and technological human resources should be encouraged. Support should be given to Chinese and EU enterprises in their involvement in scientific and technological cooperation.

2. Cultural Exchange

China will be more open in cementing and deepening its exchange and cooperation with EU members in the cultural field and work towards a multi-level and all-dimensional framework of cultural exchanges between China and the European Union, EU members and their respective local governments, and between their peoples and business communities so as to make it easier for the people of China and the EU to get to know each other's fine cultures.

China will establish Chinese cultural centers in capitals of EU members and the EU headquarters -- Brussels. On the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit, China welcomes the set-up of cultural centers in Beijing by the EU side. China will encourage high quality cultural exchange activities and explore new modalities of cooperation in culture-related industries. Discussions will be held on the formation of a China-EU cultural cooperation consultation mechanism and the idea of jointly holding a China-EU cultural forum.

3. Cooperation in Education

Exchanges at all levels will be enhanced and expanded. It is necessary to establish a China-EU education cooperation consultation mechanism as appropriate and strengthen cooperation in areas including mutual recognition of academic credentials and degrees, exchange of students, language teaching, exchange of scholarships and teacher training. Work should be done to make a success of the China-Europe International Business School and bring forth more top professionals. The teaching of each other's languages should be encouraged and supported.

4. Cooperation in Health and Medical Care

Cooperation in the health sector should be strengthened, particularly in sharing experience of prevention and control of SARS, HIV/AIDS and other serious diseases. Efforts should be made to develop exchanges in clinical diagnosis and treatment, epidemiological investigation, analysis and surveillance, laboratory testing, R&D for medicines and vaccines, and training of medical personnel. Exploratory endeavor should be made for the establishment of a mechanism to keep each other informed and provide technical support in case of emergent public health hazards.

5. Press Exchange

Exchanges and cooperation will be boosted between the press and media communities of the two sides. Chinese and EU media agencies should be encouraged to enhance mutual understanding and give comprehensive and unbiased reports of each other. Relevant government departments or agencies of the two sides should enhance mutual contact and communication and share practices and experience in respect of government press release and the handling of government-media relations.

6. Personnel Exchange

People-to-people exchanges and those between non-governmental organizations of China and the EU should be encouraged. China is ready to conclude as early as possible agreement on designating EU countries as tourism destinations for outbound Chinese citizens incompliance with the principles of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit.

China-EU consular cooperation should be strengthened and expanded. An early solution should be found through consultations to the problem of difficult access to entry visas by Chinese citizens and their impeded entry into EU countries. The legitimate rights and interests of travelers should be protected. Normal people-to-people exchanges between China and the EU should be ensured.

It is imperative to combat illegal migration and human trafficking, strictly enforce laws and crack down on illegal activities and crimes. The two sides should increase consultations and coordination and appropriately handle the question of repatriation and other issues arising there from.