Xie Yongjun, the third secretary of Mission of the People's Republic China to the European Union, speaks at a panel conference of the EU-China Year of Youth 2011, January 11, 2011. [Photo: www.youth.cn]
Xie Yongjun, the Third Secretary of Mission of the People’s Republic China to the European Union, delivers the wrap-up speech at the panel conference under the theme of The EU-China Year of Youth as a Tool to Promote Dialogue and Mutual Understanding Between the EU and China. The conference is held after the launch ceremony of the Youth Year.
Following are the excerpts of Xie's enlightening speech:
Part I. European institutions confused him in early days
Before I came to Brussels, I worked in the Information department of Chinese Foreign Ministry, with few experiences of European affairs. Indeed, I didn’t quite comprehend what the European Union is.
On the plane from Beijing to Brussels in February 2008, I asked myself:
"What’s the difference between the European Council and the Council of the European Union?”
"Is the Council of the European Union the same institution as the Council of Europe?”
"Whose statement carries the most weight, Foreign Minister of the rotating Presidency, the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy or the European Commissioner for External Relations”
At that time, I was completely confused by the names of the European Institutions.
But after I came to Brussels, the European Union was like a vivid picture slowly and smoothly unfolding before my eyes. I came to know that the European Council is the highest decision-making body consisting of heads of state or Government of the Member States, while the Council of the European Union is indeed the Council of Ministers.
Part II. He witnessed a changing Europe
During my last three years,
I witnessed the Lisbon treaty ratified, coming into force and being implemented.
I witnessed the 3 posts of President of Foreign Affairs Council, High Representative and European Commissioner for External Relations merged into 1 post - HR/VP, so my question whose statement carries the most weight disappeared.
I also witnessed the impact of international financial crisis and the break-out of the sovereign debt crisis, which remains a daunting threat to Europe, yet the EU is working with synergy to meet the economic, social and political challenges.
I firmly believe that despite of all the difficulties, the EU remains one of the most advanced economic powers, one of the most important political powers, and one of the most influential soft powers in the world.
