Full text of China's Policy Paper on the European Union

Part Four

Cooperation in Scientific Research, Innovation, Emerging Industries, and Sustainable Development

Make good use of the China-EU Science and Technology Cooperation Joint Steering Committee, the Innovation Cooperation Dialogue and the Co-funding Mechanism for Research and Innovation under the framework of the China-EU Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, work out a roadmap for cooperation on scientific research and innovation, and conduct comprehensive cooperation in frontier disciplines, basic research and major social challenges, implement flagship projects in agriculture and biotechnology, the environment, sustainable urbanization, surface transportation, safe and green aviation, and health biotechnology, and expand cooperation on information and communications, smart manufacturing, health, and new materials.

Fully harness the role of the China-EU/ESA Dialogue on Space Technology Cooperation, and advance cooperation in earth observation, space technology, space science, space application, deep space observation and manned space flight, discuss the establishment of a dialogue mechanism on space policy cooperation, and seek greater synergy in broad areas.

Bring into full play the China-EU Industrial Dialogue and Consultation Mechanism as a platform to reinforce policy communication on automobiles, vessels, raw materials, SMEs and industrial energy efficiency, further synergize industrial development strategies, support industries, universities and research institutes on both sides in expanding cooperation on smart manufacturing, green manufacturing, new energy vehicles, intelligent connected vehicles, new materials, and high-tech vessels, and advance the development of an exchange platform for SMEs to unleash their cooperation potential.

China and the EU need to support each other and carry out exchanges and cooperation in developing "Digital China" and the EU Digital Single Market. Make good use of such mechanisms as the China-EU Dialogue on Information Technology, Telecommunications and Informatization, and the China-EU Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Expert Working Group, deepen cooperation on 5G, promote technological exchanges and standardization cooperation on the digital economy, Internet of Things, Internet of Vehicles, Industrial Internet, artificial intelligence and smart cities, develop pilot demonstration projects, and facilitate practical cooperation among industries. Jointly tackle risks and challenges brought about by new technologies.

Noting the higher requirements made by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on privacy protection, data security, and trade and investment for corporations with digital businesses in Europe, the Chinese side hopes that the implementation of the GDPR will not affect normal business interactions between the two sides. China will continue to carry out exchanges, mutual learning and cooperation with the EU on data protection to better protect personal information and the legitimate rights and interests of citizens.

Make full use of the China-EU Dialogue on Agriculture and Rural Development, deepen cooperation on agro-technology research and development, training of young agro-professionals, animal health and rural development, promote steady growth of trade in agro-products, and strengthen mutual support and collaboration in international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Untied Nations.

Give better play to the China-EU Water Policy Dialogue and the Water Platform, enhance communication and deepen cooperation on water supply and food security in rural areas, water and urbanization, river basin management and planning, and water and energy security, strengthen exchanges and sharing of experience and technologies in water recycling and drinking water protection.

Conduct the China-EU High Level Forestry Policy Dialogue, continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation among all stakeholders in timber production, processing and consumption, jointly explore paths and methods of mutual recognition of timber legality between China and EU member states, and promote cooperation on the implementation and law enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Develop the China-EU Blue Partnership, enhance dialogue and cooperation in ocean governance, blue economy, protection and sustainable use of maritime resources, maritime technological innovation, polar affairs, and fishery-related areas, carry out practical cooperation programs, and strengthen communication and coordination on negotiations of ocean-related international agreements.

Fully leverage the China-EU Energy Dialogue, actively implement the China-EU Roadmap on Energy Cooperation, carry out dialogue and exchanges on energy policies, deepen cooperation on energy system, energy efficiency and clean energy, including developing an electric power market, improving power infrastructure, establishing a safe and efficient natural gas market, and increasing renewable energy consumption, and promote energy security of both sides.

Further promote all-dimensional and high-level cooperation on peaceful use of nuclear energy, continue to strengthen substantive cooperation on nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, nuclear security, nuclear safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear technology research, and the non-power uses of nuclear technology in medical care and health, environmental protection, food safety, industrial processing and public security.

Give full play to the China-EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environmental Policy, discuss the establishment of a green development partnership, strengthen policy exchanges and cooperation on pollution prevention and control, environmental governance, biodiversity conservation and green growth, and encourage enterprises from both sides to engage in joint research and development and business cooperation on environmental protection. Maintain communication and coordination on major global environmental issues, and implement international environmental conventions.

Increase China-EU policy dialogue and practical cooperation in climate change-related fields, strengthen cooperation on carbon emission trading, enhance exchanges and cooperation on climate change and low-carbon development at the city level. Adhere to the principles and provisions in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, jointly advance follow-up negotiations and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, and actively develop and improve the global climate governance system to promote green, low-carbon, and sustainable development.

The MOU on China-EU Circular Economy Cooperation will serve as guidance for efforts to enhance cooperation on the circular economy and increase exchanges on the management system, policy tools, investment and financing, and policy research of the circular economy.

Implement the Joint Declaration on the China-EU Partnership on Urbanization, and work to deepen such a partnership. Enhance dialogue and cooperation on regional policies, deepen sub-national cooperation, support exchanges and collaboration on policies related to megalopolises, metropolitan areas and small and medium-sized cities. Deepen practical cooperation among Chinese and European provinces and municipalities, between cities and industrial parks, and between cities and enterprises. Various sectors from the EU are welcome to actively participate in the integration of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Xiong'an New Area and the Hainan pilot free trade zone and free trade port.

Jointly implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, respect each other's national conditions and development paths, promote economic, social and environmental development in a balanced manner, give priority to livelihood issues including poverty alleviation, education and health, follow the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", improve global partnership for development, and achieve common development and prosperity.