China, EU can improve ties if they focus on cooperation

Zhang Ming, China's new ambassador to the European Union arrived in Brussels in early October. One month later, after European Council President Donald Tusk received his credentials, Zhang officially began his diplomatic mission in Brussels.

Since then, Zhang, a veteran diplomat who has been in charge of the Middle East and African affairs for years, has embarked on full-speed diplomacy. He has spent most of his time paying "courtesy calls" on EU officials. And after about 30 working days by Christmas break, Zhang's efforts seem to be paying results.

Apart from Tusk, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen and EU foreign chief Federica Mogherini, Zhang has also met with other top EU leaders. And in the hope of deepening Sino-EU relations, the EU leaders have recalled their "very good personal relationship" with the Chinese leadership.