Premier Wen meets EU financial chiefs in Nanjing

Premier Wen Jiabao has met with a trio of European Union financial chiefs in Nanjing, the capital of East China's Jiangsu Province. Sunday's talks took place ahead of the 12th China-EU summit.

Wen Jiabao held talks with Euro Group President and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, and EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

Wen Jiabao says China and Europe are important trade partners. Both sides should join hands in combating trade and investment protectionism.

Juncker says China's active fiscal plans have resulted in impressive results, and the country's stable economic growth benefits Europe and the world greatly. The EU also stands against trade protectionism.

The yuan exchange rate will be one of the major issues on the agenda. The EU business community has been urging China to allow the reminbi to appreciate faster.

Wen Jiabao says the Chinese currency has been steady. This contributes to global financial stability. China will actively, orderly, and gradually increase the flexibility of the RMB's exchange rate.

Later on Sunday afternoon, Premier Wen also met with the European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso.

The 12th China-EU summit is due to be held on Monday. During this highest-level political consultation mechanism between the two sides, views will be exchanged on Sino-EU relations and global issues, including economic recovery and climate change.