The China-EU leaders' meeting is the highest level of dialogue between the two sides. The meetings began in April 1998 and witnessed the rapid development of bilateral ties.

After the fourth meeting in 2001, the two sides decided to forge a comprehensive partnership. Two years later, they upgraded the ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Bilateral trade hit 521 billion euros last year. 20 percent of China's exports go to the EU, while 10 percent of the EU's exports are sold in the Chinese market.