On September 1, 2010, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy & Vice President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton held the first China-EU strategic dialogue in Guiyang. Both sides had a candid, in-depth and friendly exchange of views on issues including how to look at the current world situation, how to view China's development and how to develop China-EU relations, and reached broad consensus. Both sides agreed that a dialogue of this kind is necessary and useful.

Dai pointed out that against the backdrop of the deepening globalization, the fate of nations has never been so closely linked. It needs cooperation among all countries to cope with the increasing global issues and challenges.

China had made remarkable achievements since its reform and opening up to the outside, but it is still a developing country, Dai said. China has a clear understanding of its position in the international arena and its current level of development, Dai said, adding it will focus on economic development in the long run.

China has not been, nor is, nor will be in the pursuit of hegemony, but adheres to the path of peaceful development, Dai said. China needs a peaceful international environment for development and its development will promote global peace and development, he said. China's development is an opportunity to the world, as well as an opportunity to the EU.

Dai pointed out that the Chinese government always supports EU integration and attaches great importance to ties with EU. The two sides should work towards the same direction, strengthen political dialogue, enhance strategic mutual trust, expand cooperation on an equal footing, properly handle sensitive issues and have more cultural and people-to-people exchanges, so as to push the strategic partnership of cooperation to a new level.

Ashton said the EU should understand China in a comprehensive way, not only the fast developing side, but also the fact that China faces various challenges in a vital transforming period. "The EU should enhance its political and economic dialogue with China and seek out more areas for strategic cooperation," said Ashton.

Ashton said the EU would take China's development as an important opportunity to work with China to expand trade, investment and employment. She added that the EU and China should encourage personnel and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and create a favorable foundation of public support for EU-China relations. EU attaches great importance to China's important status and influence in international affairs and is ready to enhance communication and coordination with China to jointly cope with various global challenges.

Both sides agreed that the next round of strategic dialogue will be held in Europe.