-Diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (the European Community) were established on 6th May 1975.

-In 1998, China and the EU established a "long-term and stable constructive partnership" looking forward to the 21st century. In 2001, this was upgraded to a "comprehensive partnership" and in 2003 to a "comprehensive strategic partnership".

-China and the EU have held 15 annual high-level summits starting in 1998.In 2005, strategic dialogue at vice-foreign minister level was established and upgraded in 2010 to a high-level strategic dialogue co-chaired by China's State Councilor and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Three such high-level dialogues have taken place to date.

-There are more than 60 consultation and dialogue mechanisms governing China-EU relations, covering a wide range of areas, including politics, economy and trade, people-to-people exchanges, technology, energy and environment.