China and EU sign energy and education deals
The EU and China stepped up their cooperation today, signing agreements on education and development of clean energy.
Chris Patten, European commissioner for external relations, signed the accords in Beijing with China’s Foreign Trade Minister Shi Guangsheng.
Mr Patten, who was not Beijing’s favourite politician when he was Hong Kong’s last Governor, said China needs to promote sustainable energy to guarantee continued economic growth ‘‘without this being at the expense of the environment or people’s health and quality of life.’’
The Energy and Environment Programme will set aside £24m (€39m) to promote energy efficiency and the use of clean burning natural gas and renewable energy resources. China and the EU will split the costs.
The EU will also donate £6m (€9m) to establish centres for European studies in China.
