China, EU to hold strategic dialogue in Beijing

China and the European Union will hold their fifth round of high-level strategic dialogue on May 5 and 6, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a routine press briefing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will lead the Chinese side during the Beijing-based dialogue, while EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini will chair the EU side.

The talks come as the two sides celebrate the 40th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties and will be an important platform to exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern, Hong said.

China believes the dialogue will increase strategic mutual trust, promote cooperation and create favorable conditions for the building of the China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization, Xinhua reported.