China and the European Union have pledged to work towards achieving balanced trade and enhancing collaboration in addressing climate change during high-level meetings, despite ongoing tensions related to Tibet protests and the Olympics. EU officials, led by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, had hoped that their meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing would help improve relations strained by China's significant trade deficit and promote sustainable growth. Economic tensions have worsened as China's trade surplus with the EU reached nearly 160 billion euros ($251 billion) last year. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stated that both sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy conservation and reducing emissions, emphasizing that the benefits of their partnership far outweigh any conflicts. Wen stated that a better future for the Sino-EU relationship can be achieved through respecting, trusting, and learning from each other. Barroso emphasized that the main focus of the talks was on climate change, and China has shown willingness to include domestic emissions in a global agreement to address climate change post-2012. Both sides acknowledged the trade imbalances and agreed on the need for a rebalance. The talks were overshadowed by anti-Chinese unrest in Tibetan areas, disruptions during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in London and Paris, and subsequent Chinese counter-protests. Barroso also welcomed China's decision to hold discussions with representatives of the Dalai Lama. Barroso stated the importance of dialogue in finding a sustainable solution to the Tibet issue while respecting China's sovereignty. Mandelson urged an end to mutual boycott threats and emphasized the need for constructive engagement instead. The European Parliament has requested EU leaders to boycott the Beijing Games' opening ceremony unless China engages in talks with the Dalai Lama, but Mandelson believes that boycotts and counter-campaigns are unproductive for both sides.