Joint Statement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
At the invitation of H.E. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, came to China to attend the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting and to pay an official visit on 20th - 25th October 2008. During the official visit President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Prime Minister Rasmussen. The leaders reviewed the considerable progress of the bilateral relations and the fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950. Bilateral relations have been steadily enhanced with greater political mutual trust and respect and expanded economic cooperation and trade. The two sides agreed that they shared a common interest in working together on bilateral, multilateral and global issues. To mark the mutually beneficial relations, the two sides agreed to launch a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which would encompass all areas of bilateral relations, and to strengthen their bilateral and multilateral co-operation by adopting the following measures:
1. The two sides agreed to strengthen the political and economic dialogue by maintaining the momentum of regular high-level exchanges and enhancing friendly exchanges between the governments and legislative bodies as well as local authorities in various forms and at various levels to increase mutual understanding and establish concrete cooperation. The two sides will strengthen the political dialogue and promote closer consultation and co-operation between the two foreign ministries. They will maintain the political consultation mechanism at vice foreign ministerial level and strive for annual meetings alternately in Beijing and Copenhagen. During these exchanges and also other bilateral consultations and meetings, the two sides can discuss ways to strengthen cooperation including meetings at the level of leaders of government or foreign ministers at bilateral or multilateral occasions. The two sides will also work in common to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2010 through suitable mutual high-level visits and in other ways. Denmark reiterated its firm adherence to the one-China policy, not supporting Taiwan's membership of international organizations which require statehood, and not having official contacts with Taiwan. The Chinese side appreciated the above principled position of the Danish side. Denmark expressed its hope for a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question through constructive dialogue. The Chinese side reiterated its principled position on Taiwan. The two sides were pleased about the good progress made in EU-China relations and were ready to make continued contribution to the deepening of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Denmark confirmed its willingness to carry forward work towards lifting the EU arms embargo against China on the basis of the Joint Statement of the 2004 EU-China Summit and subsequent European Council Conclusions.
2. Denmark and China both fully support a fair, just and rules-based multilateral international system, with the United Nations playing the central role in addressing global issues and bringing political solutions to international disputes through consultations and negotiations. The two sides support reasonable and necessary reforms of the UN. Consequently, the two sides will strengthen cooperation in the United Nations, ASEM, EU-China relations and other multilateral and regional mechanisms. In connection with the United Nations and its peace-keeping missions, the two sides affirmed their willingness to engage in sharing experiences in this regard.
3. The two sides condemned terrorism in all its forms without qualifications, committed by whomever, whenever and for whatever purposes. The two sides decided to strengthen consultation and exchanges on counter-terrorism, reiterated that the UN should playa leading role in the fight against terrorism and expressed opposition to associating terrorism with any specific ethnic group or religion.
4. Leaders stated their willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of non-proliferation.
5. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and continued to place value on the exchanges and cooperation on human rights based on equality and mutual respect. They underlined the importance of concrete steps in the field of human rights.