Chinese concern over US dominance

Many European countries share China's concerns

By Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Beijing

Chinese President Jiang Zemin has called for an end to the "unjust and irrational" world order during the opening of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Beijing.

China has also set out to woo European countries with offers of lucrative contracts to supply airliners and build large infrastructure projects

The one-day forum is aimed at strengthening dialogue between Asian and European countries.

China hopes that closer ties with Europe will act as a counter balance to America's dominance of international affairs.

This Asia-Europe forum was set up five years ago to try and build a stronger relationship between the countries of the European Union and those of east and south-east Asia.

But it is not a grouping that has ever really got off the ground.

This time around China is running the show and pushing its agenda.

US dominance

In his opening speech President Jiang Zemin talked about the growing wealth gap between north and south.

But what China really dislikes is the global dominance of the United States and it sees Europe as a useful counter balance.

Jiang Zemin made it clear he dislikes the current international order

Many European countries share China's concerns about President Bush's decision to build a missile defence network and his abandonment of the Kyoto agreement on global warming.

China has also set out to woo European countries with offers of lucrative contracts to supply airliners and build large infrastructure projects.

It is unclear whether anything of real substance will come out of this meeting.

The ministers will discuss a huge range of issues, including the opening of North Korea which both China and the EU are encouraging.

The Swedish delegation has also put forward a proposal to strengthen co-operation to combat trafficking in women and children.