China, EU talk security, defense

After forming a dialogue mechanism on security and defense with Washington and Moscow, Beijing has now taken similar measures with Brussels, with General Patrick de Rousiers, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, traveling to Beijing on Thursday to hold the first EU-China Dialogue on Security and Defense.

The Brussels side said the mission, the first of its kind, stems from last March's visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the EU. It was agreed on that occasion – based on the good cooperation so far – to raise the level of EU-China dialogue and cooperation on defense and security.

The general is expected to hold meetings with Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui as well as give a speech at the PLA Defense University and participate in a roundtable with Chinese experts.

Brussels said this initiative is part of the implementation of the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation agreed by both sides at the 2013 EU-China Summit.