The first session of the 12th National People's Congress held a press conference in the Great Hall of the People on March 9, 2013. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi answers questions from Chinese and foreign press on China's foreign policy and external relations. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/Asianewsphoto]?

BEIJING-- China opposed the European Union's anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation against the Chinese photovoltaic products, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Saturday.

"China is opposed to trade protectionism. We urged the EU side to properly handle relevant issues through dialogue and consultation," Yang said at a news conference held on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary session in Beijing.

On European sovereign debt crisis, Yang said "We have full confidence in the future of Europe", adding that China has been a firm supporter of Europe's efforts in dealing with the debt crisis.

"We hope and believe that Europe can turn the crisis into opportunities and make new progress in its development," he said.

On the China-EU relations, Yang said the relationship between China and the EU is one of the most important bilateral relationships in today's world. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive, strategic partnership between China and the EU.

In the later half of this year, the two sides will hold the 16th China-EU summit and discuss an institutional framework for their medium-to-long-term cooperation.

"We will also step up collaboration in such areas as urbanization, new energy sources, scientific and technological innovation and green development," said Yang.