On October 24, 2011, State Councilor Dai Bingguo met in Beijing with the EU High Representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. The two sides exchanged in-depth opinions on China-EU relations, the European situation, the G20 Summit in Cannes and the situation in West Asia and North Africa.

Dai said that China has confidence in the European integration process. China and the EU must follow the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and collaboration to promote the development of bilateral relations. The world today is experiencing quick and huge changes. Countries are more interdependent and global challenges are on the rise. We must adapt to such changes, emancipate our mind, catch up with the trends of the times, make reform and innovations and learn to coexist in harmony and develop together.

Ashton said that the EU appreciates China’s long-term support on political and economic issues and attaches importance to a bigger role to be played by China in Europe and the international community. The EU expects to strengthen consultations and cooperation with China on bilateral and global issues and push forward the bilateral ties.