China issues a policy paper on the European Union that outlines possible areas of co-operation to enhance sustainable development through digital means

China has published a policy paper on possible measures to enhance the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and promote greater development of China-EU relations. The paper addresses issues related to the co-operation in political, security and defence fields that include the ‘good use of the China-EU Cyber Taskforce, jointly advocate a community with a shared future in cyberspace, promote norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace under the UN framework, and advance the reform of the global Internet governance system for a peaceful, secure, open, co-operative and orderly cyberspace.’ Additionally, the paper tackles the co-operation in scientific research, innovation, emerging industries, and sustainable development through ‘Digital China’ and the EU Digital Single Market where exchanges and co-operation between China and the EU are further required. It also refers to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) hoping that its implementation will not affect normal business interactions between the two sides. According to the paper, co-operation on data protection between China and the EU will continue to protect personal information and the legitimate rights of citizens.