?China and the European Union (EU)?in Beijing?Thursday pledged to promote the development of bilateral ties during talks between their diplomatic chiefs.

The development and changes in the international situation call for enhanced cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said when having talks with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, who is in China for the fifth China-EU strategic dialogue.

Yang said China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and hopes to work with the EU to promote the sound, stable and long-term growth of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Yang expressed hope both sides view their relations from a strategic perspective.

He also expressed hope that every effort will be made to hold the 13th China-EU summit as scheduled in the second half of the year.

He also said he hopes for the drawing up of a comprehensive plan for the future growth of China-EU ties and cooperation.

China and the EU should have earnest dialogue and cooperate, Yang said, adding that the two sides should handle their differences based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

Yang said the two sides should deepen cooperation in economics and trade, the green economy and technology.

Ashton said the EU attaches great importance to its strategic relations with China.

The EU hopes to further boost dialogue and exchange with China at various levels, she added.

Th EU also hopes to strengthen mutual understanding and trust with China, she said.

It also hopes to enhance pragmatic cooperation with China to raise the EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, she added.

Ashton and Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo co-chaired the fifth strategic dialogue Wednesday in Guiyang, capital city of southwest China's Guizhou Province.

The two sides discussed China-EU relations, major international and regional issues, and the EU's perspective on China's development.