China and the European Union opened their fifth strategic dialogue Wednesday in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo and visiting EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton co-chaired the one-day closed-door meeting, during which the two sides will discuss China-EU relations, major international and regional issues, and EU perspectives on China's development, according to sources with the Chinese foreign ministry.

During a brief photo session ahead of the meeting, both Dai and Ashton said that the long relationship showed China and the EU had much in common.

Ashton will fly to Beijing Wednesday evening, where she will meet with Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

The previous four rounds of strategic talks were held between vice foreign ministers of China and countries holding the rotating presidency of the European Union.