On September 10, 2009, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met in the Foreign Ministry with EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton, who is visiting China at the invitation of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Ashton spoke highly of the effective measures that China has taken to cope with the global financial crisis and expressed admiration for China's enormous achievements in economic and social development. The future of EU and China has been closely connected, Ashton said, expressing EU's willingness to enhance cooperation with China in economic, trade and other sectors and boost confidence for the recovery of the world economy. Foreign Minister Yang made positive comments on China-EU ties, expressing hope that both sides will further tap potential of cooperation, resolutely oppose trade and investment protectionism and promote sound development of bilateral trade relations, so as to set a good example for the world.

Both sides also exchanged views on the G20 Pittsburgh summit and other issues. Ambassador Serge Abou, head of the delegation of the European Commission to China, and David O'Sullivan, European Commission Director General for Trade, were present at the meeting.