The third China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum opened on Tuesday in Brussels, with both sides calling for increased cooperation to deal with common challenges, including climate change and social governance.

Wang Jiarui, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said China-European relations should be approached from a global, long-term perspective against the backdrop of a complex and volatile international situation.

"I hope that we can work together in the spirit of sincerity and consensus-building to carry out in-depth discussions, so that this forum can help to boost political and strategic mutual trust between China and the EU," said Wang.

Wang Jiarui, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, makes a speech as Reinhard Bütikofer (L), vice-president of the Greens / EFA group and Elmar Brok, chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, listens during the third China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum in Brussels, May 29, 2012.[Photo by Uking Sun/chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang said that 2012 is politically and economically important as China implements the 12th Five-Year Plan and the 18th CPC National Congress is held.

"China's development means opportunities for Europe and for the world," Wang said to officials and leaders from the European Parliament, the European People's Party (EPP), Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats (S&D), European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL), European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR) and European Green Party (EGP).

Graham Watson, president of ELDR, said China's rise is not a fire-breathing dragon that should be feared, instead China and Europe share strong interests that require more talks and better understanding of each other's strengths as well as weaknesses.

The CPC expects a new type of China-Europe relationship based on mutual respect and appreciation of each other's particular social system. The minister said China and Europe should deepen political trust, economic cooperation, and culture and people-to-people exchanges in the era of globalization.

The opinion is shared by Dick Roche, vice president of ELDR. He said it is important to overcome stereotyped thinking, try to show a bit of humility in analyzing China's achievements, and realize that there is room for massive cooperation.

Wang also said China is concerned about the influences of trade protectionism in Europe, which is still struggling with the debt crisis, and more dialogues and exchanges can help enhance mutual understanding and proper handling of differences.

"As long as both China and the EU can focus on the big picture and have broad consensus on issues with general, strategic and long-term significance, we will be able to prevent misjudgment or misunderstanding despite different national conditions or opinions."

The forum, from May 29 to 31, aims to provide a platform for Chinese CPC officials and political leaders in Europe to have an in-depth exchange of views on a range of issues related to China-Europe comprehensive strategic partnership.