China and the European Union (EU) should focus on mutual interest and leave differences aside to tackle the global financial crisis, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany said yesterday.

"China and the EU should jointly combat trade protectionism and further cooperate during this difficult period," Ma Canrong said.

The last year witnessed some unpleasant experiences between China and the EU, including the Olympic torch relay's disruptive journey in Europe and French President Nicolas Sarkozy's meeting with the Dalai Lama.