High Representative Mogherini at EU-China Summit

High Representative Federica Mogherini i this week travelled to Beijing to participate in the 18th EU-China Summit.

The Summit came just a few weeks after the High Representative and European Commission adopted a Joint Communication on elements for a new EU strategy on China

, and enabled discussions at the highest level on issues related to bilateral EU-China political and economic relations, addressing global challenges, and regional and international issues. Leaders are expected to adopt a Joint Summit Statement at the end of the meeting.

The Summit agenda included human rights, the global refugee crisis, climate change, investment, over-capacity in the steel industry and the debate on market economy status for China.

During the Summit, High Representative Mogherini participated in working sessions hosted by Premier Li, and held a number of important meetings, including with the Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, Minister for National Defence General Chang Wanquan and Cai Fang, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, where she will also gave a speech. "I'm convinced that China's greater engagement in world affairs can open so many opportunities, on so many issues of common interest", Mogherini said in her speech to present her Global Strategy.