China hopes the European Union will recognize China's full market economy status (MES) as soon as possible, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Qin Gang said on Thursday.

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"I hope the EU can make a correct and wise decision to recognize China's full market economy status at an early date in order to push forward bilateral economic and trade relations and benefit both sides," Qin said.

The spokesman made the remarks in response to a question on Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi's pledge to help China to gain full market economy status in the EU.

He said to recognize China's full market economy status serves the interests of both China and EU members and China appreciates EU members' positive efforts in promoting China-EU relations.

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