On May 17, 2011, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Describing China and Europe as "two major forces in advocating peace and development in the world," Wen said China always regards its ties with Europe as a strategic direction of its foreign policy amid the changing world situation. He recalled the bilateral cooperation formed to tackle the global financial crisis and some European countries' sovereign-debt crisis, saying it enhanced mutual understanding and expanded mutually beneficial cooperation. "It will bear significant and far-reaching influence on the safeguarding of common interests and promotion of a multi-polar and globalized world," he told Van Rompuy.

China is confident about Europe's stability and prosperity, supports its integration and attaches importance to the European Union's status on the world arena, Wen said. Premier Wen said he is looking forward to co-chairing with Van Rompuy and Barroso this year's China-EU leaders' meeting, expecting the two sides to further political mutual trust and enhance cooperation and coordination on major global issues in a bid to push China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership for new progress.

Van Rompuy labeled China as "a major trading partner" and "a strategic partner in global governance". He said EU attaches great importance to EU-China ties. He urged the two sides to work out a long-term plan for cooperation and exchanges based on each side's development strategy and advantage, and properly settle differences. EU is ready to work closely with China to ensure the success of this year's EU-China leaders' meeting.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, MOC International Trade Representative & Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng and Head of the Chinese Mission to the European Union Song Zhe attended the meeting.