Acknowledges China as a new global trade force, a new policy paper on EU-China relationship in the times to come has underlined the importance of developing better EU-China relations which would help in boosting mutual trade. 

Entitled "EU-China: Closer Partners, Growing Responsibilities," the 10-page document expounds on the importance of developing EU-China relations, the increasing strength of China, and the policies and measures the EU would adopt to boost ties.

Trade relations have not developed smoothly though, with Europe criticizing barriers to trade that European companies face, and increasingly slapping anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese firms.

Earlier this month, the EU agreed to impose duties of 16.5 % on leather shoes from China for two years, in a decision the Ministry of Commerce said lacked "sufficient legal and factual evidence."