BRUSSELS - EU member states gave political backing to Brussels' planned investment pact with China on Monday, clearing the way for a deal between the world's biggest economic blocs.
This came after the Chinese foreign ministry said last week that "negotiations have entered the final stretch" -- and a second EU diplomat said an agreement could now be formally announced this week. The deal would be a major boost for both sides and strengthen economic ties between the giants before the arrival of US president-elect Joe Biden in the White House in January.
"We also said that we shouldn't act too hastily after seven years of tough negotiations. Meanwhile, such an item is suddenly added to the EU ambassadors' meeting agenda in Brussels. This is unheard of." The European Commission, the EU executive, had said before Christmas that the draft of the "political agreement" was "95 percent ready" and just needed the capitals' green light.
As part of the accord the EU has also been pushing Beijing to reinforce respect for intellectual property, end obligations to transfer technology, reduce subsidies for public enterprises and improve on climate commitments.
Here they go.......