On May 1, 2010, State Councilor Dai Bingguo met in Shanghai with Ms Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, who was accompanying Mr. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission during his visit to China.
Dai said that China supports the EU integration and hopes that EU plays a more active role in international affairs. The development of both sides will present opportunities for each other; therefore strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation conforms to common interest of the two sides. China will, as always, attach importance to relations with EU and is willing to make joint efforts with EU to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.
Ashton first expressed congratulations upon the successful opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo. She said the EU regards China as a key strategic partner and EU is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and jointly respond to global challenges.