His words echoed those of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. "This is what I think is today's relationship with China: a relationship based on friendship and a mature relationship," Barroso said in a lunar new year greeting to the Chinese people in 2008. These words are still true today.

Maturity means the two sides are able to deepen points of agreement. On points of non-agreement, they are able to speak constructively and find a way out, Barroso said.

Noting that there have been fluctuations in Sino-Europe trade ties, Cui Hongjian said they are likely to last only in the short term.

He said relations between China and Europe are witnessing subtle changes, especially in the wake of China's growing economic and political prowess.

Both sides need time to adjust themselves and accept each other's changes, he said. "Cooperation between China and Europe could play a positive role by instilling more stability into the current international order."

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