On May 15, 2008, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo met in the Chinese Foreign Ministry with the visiting EU Troika of political directors general (State Secretary and Political Director General of the Foreign Ministry of the incumbent EU presidency country (Slovenia), Deputy Secretary–General and Political and Security Director-General Gerard Araud of the Foreign Ministry of the EU candidate presidency country (France), Deputy Director General of External Relations Directorate General of the European Commission and so on). Wu urged both sides to look at China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, bear in mind the overall situation, and build up political trust and people-to-people understanding, so as to push China-EU relations for stable and sound development. The EU side acknowledged that the EU-China relations are of long-term and strategic significance, adding that they will continue to view and develop China-EU relations from a strategic perspective, adhere to the one-China policy and support the Beijing Olympic Games. The EU side also expressed condolences to China over the earthquake disaster in Wenchuan, Sichuan, adding that they are ready to offer aid.

Later, Li Ruiyu, Director General of the Department of European Affairs and political directors general of the EU Troika held consultation in the Foreign Ministry. Both sides spoke highly of China-EU relationship and expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation to jointly cope with global issues and make good preparations for the 7th ASEM Summit and the 11th China-EU Leaders' Meeting, in a bid to promote the constant growth of the all-round strategic partnership between China and EU. Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue and issues concerning Myanmar, Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.