European Union Secretary-General Javier Solana told an enthusiastic crowd of students and faculty March 17 that the EU’s aim to strengthen its strategic partnership with China “is not only a matter of choice, it is a question of responsibility.”

In his speech in the Main Building, Mr. Solana said he believed a solid foundation for Sino-EU ties has been built over the last few years with the increasing economic and cultural exchanges between the two sides. He said that the relationship would help to promote multilateralism in today’s international affairs, which would thus bring peace and prosperity to the world.

Mr. Solana elaborated on the ways in which this strategic partnership with China could be achieved, primarily through “close contact and dialogue at the top political levels between the two political powers.”

After the speech he answered students’ questions, which touched on issues ranging from the Korean nuclear crisis, the relationship between EU and NATO, and the recent terrorist bombing in Madrid.

In answer to the last question about his journey from academia to political life, Mr. Solana said he hoped that the students would honor the opportunities and advantages they have received while at “the best university in China,” and be willing to give back to society and their country.

Mr. Solana visited Tsinghua following his meetings March 16-17 with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Reported by Huang Ruixi

Edited by Lisa Libuckley