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European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said in his speech that respect for human rights was also important. European Commission, the EU's executive body, is one of the 45 partners of ASEM.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is holding the rotating EU presidency, also said that social issues such as human rights also should be discussed.

They did not mention any country in particular but the calls were made in the wake of a new controversy involving China's human rights records.

The European calls came amidst a decision by the European Parliament, which is the EU's directly elected parliamentary institution, to give its top human rights prize to jailed Chinese dissident Hu Jia.

China reacted angrily to the European Parliament move. Liu Jianchao, spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press conference on Thursday night in the eve of ASEM summit: "We express strong dissatisfaction to the decision to issue such an award to the jailed criminal in China."

"It also violates universally recognised rules in the world, which is that countries should treat each other as equals and respect each other," he said.

The opening ceremony of ASEM 7 took place at the Great Hall of the People, which is located near Tiananmen Square, venue of a massive pro-reform demonstration in 1989 that led to a bloody crackdown.

China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said that apart from the financial crisis, issues such as energy and food security, the environment and natural disasters became "more pronounced".

Chinese President Hu Jintao, in his opening speech, called for closer cooperation between Asia and Europe, with an equal footing.

"The future of Asia and Europe is important for the future of the world," he said. "Let us join hands for a harmonious world and common prospertity."