China and EU to hold high-level talks to boost coordination
China and the European Union are to hold high-level strategic talks in Brussels on June 10; top Chinese diplomat, Yang Jiechi, is to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. China has been pushing for a more favourable trading status in Europe; however, EU countries, fearing job losses to China’s bloated steel industry, are reluctant to grant it.

BEIJING -- China and the European Union (EU) will hold their sixth round of high-level strategic dialogue in Brussels on June 10, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi will co-chair the dialogue with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini at the EU headquarters in Brussels. Yang will also meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, spokesperson Hong Lei told a regular press briefing.

Yang and Mogherini will discuss the 18th China-EU leaders' meeting in Beijing scheduled for later this year, discuss global governance and international and regional hot issues, to boost communication and coordination between China and the European Union in international affairs, Hong noted.

China is a comprehensive strategic partner of the European Union, Hong said. "China has always supported efforts by the EU to deal with inside and outside challenges, and extended hope that it would remain united, strong and prosperous."