EU official set for talks as key summits loom

BRUSSELS - China and the European Union (EU) begin week-long talks on Monday to coordinate their stance concerning bilateral and international issues ahead of a string of upcoming global summits. But an official often referred to as Europe's foreign minister who will be leading the EU team in the talks predicted that the bilateral relationship would continue to experience "difficult moments".

Catherine Ashton, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, flew to China on Sunday to head a strategic dialogue on a rich tapestry of interwoven issues and interests including trade, finance, security and the environment. It will be the first high-level strategic dialogue with China she has headed since taking office in Dec 2009.