China hails 40th anniversary of ties with EU

BEIJING - China on Wednesday hailed the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the European Union (EU), saying the commemorative activities will support win-win cooperation and upgrading of relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing that a series of events will be held in Beijing and Brussels this year.

To commemorate the anniversary, which fall on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang exchanged congratulatory messages with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and visiting EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini held the fifth round of high-level strategic dialogue in Beijing on Tuesday.

Hua said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mogherini would jointly publish a signed document on Thursday expounding the strategic partnership.

Also slated are the 17th China-EU Leaders' Meeting, a high-level trade and dialogue and a cultural exchange dialogue later this year.

Two-way trade between China and the EU topped $615 billion last year.