China and the European Union (EU) will jointly establish a broadband network with transmission speed of above 2.5 Gbps, according to a joint statement signed in Beijing Thursday.

Sources with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said the broadband network is designed to support research cooperation by the two sides. It will also open up a new path for China to construct broadband network, and consequently lower the cost for international cooperation on research and development.

An MOST official said the cooperation will also help push forward the strategic partnership between China and the EU.

According to the official, China has made a breakthrough in designing high-end routers and next-generation Internet, after launching a network using IPv6 technology. China has also carried out cooperation with the US and Japan on next-generation Internet.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2006)