China to work with EU on cybersecurity as Xi wraps up Europe tour
Policy document says collaboration will help tackle hacking and other offences on internet
China intends to work more closely with the EU over cybersecurity, the central government has announced, a move analysts say is aimed at boosting capabilities at home and easing fears abroad of a "China threat".
The new direction was contained in a policy paper released on Wednesday that maps out China's priorities for its relationship with the EU for the next five to 10 years and came as President Xi Jinping wrapped up a 10-day trip to the continent.
China would strengthen dialogue with Brussels on cybersecurity and improve co-operation in fighting internet crime and responses to cybersecurity threats, the paper said.
It would also seek to bolster platforms such as the China-EU Cyber Taskforce.
Co-operation will also help soothe EU concerns oft the so-called China threat
"Cybersecurity is a concern shared by both parties. More co-operation in this field will also help soothe European concerns about the so-called China threat," said Zhao Junjie, a European studies specialist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "It's time for China and the EU to deepen their relationship, to make it more stable and sustainable. More practical co-operation on big projects would help."