EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson would jointly present the paper to the European Parliament next Tuesday when it convenes in Strasbourg, France, said EC spokesman Stephen Adams.

The document, taking the form of a Communication in the EC's jargon, will map out a new strategic initiative for the 25-member bloc on its policy for relations with China.

Adams said the new initiative would build on the EU's current policy and ensure the EU was fit to respond to China's re-emergence as an economic and political power, and it calls on both sides to build a closer partnership and to deliver on the increased responsibilities that it would entail.

According to Adams, the so-called "Communication" will be accompanied by a policy paper on trade and investment, the EU's first ever strategic paper solely focusing on trade and investment policy with China.

The paper will set out the EU's approach in detail in this important area.

"The document will review the development of the EU-China relations over the past ten years and it sets principles for the promotion of the bilateral relations in years to come," said Adams.

As for the policy paper on trade and investment, Adams said the "key message" of the document was that the EU and China had "shared responsibilities" in promoting a bilateral and multilateral trade system.

Adams said the document was expected to send a "clear message" to China that both sides should conduct more dialogue and build a stronger partnership.

"We hope the Chinese side would see a lot of welcome from this document," he added.

The policy document will be the sixth of its kind issued by the EU's executive arm.

In October 2003, the EC issued its fifth policy document on the EU-China relations, and China followed up by releasing its first policy paper on its relations with the EU. The two sides then decided to build up an all-around strategic partnership.