【正确答案】We warmly welcome th9 convening of Asia-Europe meeting in London. Leaders from the two great continents are expected to continue their pursuit of dialogue and cooperation, which was initiated in Bangkok. Great changes have taken place in Asia, Europe and the rest of the world since the Bangkok meeting, and these will definitely exert a rather profound influence on the Asia-Europe relationship. The Bangkok conference, like most primary sessions of this type, seemed to be the more symbolic and ritualistic in its significance, demonstrating mainly that Asia is playing an increasing role in the world arena.
However, there are strong hopes that the current Asia-Europe summit will turn out to be more pragmatic and specific, with a constructive outcome. Specifically, two improvements would give the conference substance. First, the biennial summit should become an annual one, just like the G-7 and APEC conferences. Given the different cultures, histories and political systems of the members, frequent high-level exchanges between the Asian and European nations are indispensable to better mutual understanding. Second, a standing consultative organ should be set up to study and analyze important issues in the fields of economy, trade and finance on the two continents. If there had been such an establishment in the past, it might have given early warning to the potential Asian financial crisis, and the economic situation might have not been as serious as we have seen today.
Equality is the foundation of Asia-Europe cooperation, and certainly it should serve as a principle for the Asia- Europe summit. If leaders from Asia and Europe want to be friends, they should be sitting at the same table on the basis of equality. This equality should be all-weather and non-conditional. Whether its economies are on the rise or disturbed by troubles like the recent financial crisis, Asia is equal to Europe.
Objectively speaking, some Asian countries are now vulnerable to criticism because of the crisis. Asia's method of economic growth, its financial systems and foreign trade policies are all questioned and challenged inside and outside the region. These comments and criticism are inevitable and not at all surprising. Prior to the crisis, Asia had been widely praised for its admirable economic achievements. Now it is harmless and helpful for this most populous and biggest continent to have some verbal attacks.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. The London summit provides a very good opportunity for the European leaders to show their sincerity. They hope to help Asia tide over the trouble, and intend to take some concrete steps. It is clear for those with strategic vision that Asia won't decline after this crisis. Asia-Europe cooperation is by no means an expedient measure. To invest in this cooperation today suggests a bumper harvest tomorrow.