China, EU 'to renew ties' - by Fu Jing

China and the European Union on Saturday pledged to promote their mid- and long-term cooperation plan, address disputes and strengthen coordination over international affairs, as the first top-ranking EU official visited China under its new leadership.

China values relations with the EU, and will continue supporting the integration of the 27-member bloc, and deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told visiting EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

"You are the very first head of an EU institution to visit China after the inauguration of the new government in China," said Wang, adding the visit's timing was symbolic of the importance "placed by both the EU and you yourself on the Chinese-EU relationship".

Ashton, who is also a vice-president of the European Commission, said the European side would like to expand cooperation with China in the field of green economics and global security.

Before departing Brussels, Ashton had said in a statement that given China's recent change in leadership, it was time "to renew ties".

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