Relations between China and Europe are in full flower,...

Relations between China and Europe are in full flower, yet both sides must commit to candidly discussing any remaining differences - especially human rights and trade practices, the European Union's commissioner for external relations said.
Wrapping up a weeklong visit to China, Chris Patten said he agreed with Chinese President Jiang Zemin that China and Europe were enjoying their best ties ever. "I do think our relations are both very good and increasingly comprehensive, and increasingly deep," Patten said.
But he said the EU continued to be concerned about China's human-rights policies, the way it rules Tibet and its frequent use of the death penalty. Such differences, Patten said, should be discussed openly and with respect.
"It is deeply unfair to China to pretend that we have a relationship in which there are no snags," he said.
The commissioner said he raised human-rights concerns in talks with top foreign-policy adviser Qian Qichen, who responded with standard defences of Chinese policies.
The EU has conducted a quiet dialogue on human rights with China - in marked contrast to the U.S.'s more confrontational approach. Patten indicated that approach would continue but said such discussions could become more public and direct if results weren't forthcoming.