European Union leaders and visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing pledged in Brussels Thursday to deepen the all-around strategic partnership, including properly handling sensitive issues like the lifting of arms embargo. 

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told Li that the EU side adheres to the one-China policy with a view to boosting the relations between the two sides.

Li extended appreciation for the EU position and urged the EU to lift the arms embargo and recognize China's full market economy status.

Earlier, Li also held talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and European Commission external relation commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

(CRI.com March 18, 2005)