Six years of joy, tears and growing together
Eleven years ago I accompanied my boss, the former president of the European Commission Romano Prodi, on an official visit to China. I had been appointed European Union ambassador to China but had yet to take up my post. However, this visit would illuminate my six years as ambassador until the end of 2010.
The emotion was inexpressible when for the first time, under a clear Beijing spring sky and in brilliant sunshine, I saw flying together on Tian'anmen Square and Changan Avenue the blue EU flag with its 12 yellow stars and the red flag of China with its five yellow stars.
It was a potent symbol: China's 1.3 billion people warmly welcoming 500 million Europeans. China was refinding its ancient glory and radiance, and Europe was building unity, extending its wings and values to almost all the European continent, adopting a common currency and negotiating a constitutional treaty.
