European choices

The second round of the China-EU strategic Dialogue, held in Hungary on Thursday, is the latest move by China and the European Union to strengthen mutual trust and step up pragmatic cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels.

With the general picture of bilateral ties in good shape now, a substantial exchange of views on issues of mutual concern will help officials on both sides grasp the dynamics of bilateral relations, properly handle their differences and set agendas for more cooperation in the next stage.

At a time when the world is facing a host of challenges, ranging from uncertainties in economic recovery to political turbulence in North Africa and West Asia, high-level communication between the two important world powers could expand their agreements and contribute to international efforts in meeting those challenges.