On the afternoon of September 19, 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao left Beijing for Brussels by special plane to attend the 15th China-EU Summit and pay an official visit to Belgium.

Wen's entourage included Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Zhang Ping, Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, Minister of Finance Xie Xuren, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan, Director of the Research Office of the State Council Xie Fuzhan, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council and Director of the Premier's Office Xiang Zhaolun, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao and Deputy Director of the Research Office of the State Council Tian Xuebin.