Statement on EU-China relations by Commissioner Füle on behalf of the HR/VP Strasbourg 13 March 2013 President, Honourable Members, On behalf of HRVP Ashton, I welcome this balanced report by the rapporteur, Mr BELDER, setting out the European Parliament's views on the developing European Union-China relationship. It comes at the right time when new leaders will take office in Beijing and define the future of China in the next five years. China is a key strategic partner for the European Union and increasingly a significant player on the world stage. HRVP Ashton is committed to enhancing the European Union's relationship with China in world affairs. We have an on-going close collaboration - on Iran where China is playing a constructive role in the E3+3 talks and on fighting piracy off the coasts of Somalia. China has actively contributed to the adoption of sanctions on North Korea– side by side with the rest of the UN Security Council and the international community. Mr Belder's report highlights that China's political and economic involvement in Africa has contributed to economic development. There is also an increasing political engagement in Africa. Like the European Union, China supports the African Union and other African regional organisations. Fighting against piracy off the coasts of Somalia was the first ever Chinese naval mission outside its neighbouring seas, in good