From September 15 to 20, 2025, Zou Xiaodong, Chairman of the Counsellors’ Office of the State Council (COSC), led a delegation on a visit to Belgium and Serbia upon invitation. The delegation conducted think tank exchanges and thematic research on advancing the sound and steady development of China-EU economic and trade ties. Also joining the delegation were Du Yingfen and Xue Lan, Counsellors of the State Council. 

Meeting with Alexandre Blum, Chief Financial Officer of Solvay SA

Meeting with Dr. Ivona Lađevac, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Politics and Economics of Serbia, and other experts

While in Belgium, the delegation held talks with the European Policy Center, the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU. They also visited the China-Belgium Technology Center, Solvay SA, and Umicore SA, exchanging views with relevant senior officials. In Serbia, the delegation met with Nikola Stojanović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade of Serbia, and held discussions with the Institute of International Politics and Economics of Serbia and the Belt and Road Institute in Belgrade. They also visited Serbia’s National Stadium and the Exhibition Center Complex for Expo 2027 Belgrade.

Through these meetings and field visits, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of the current situation of China-EU economic and trade relations and the sustainable development initiatives rolled out by the European side. They briefed the host sides on China’s policies towards Europe, Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. The delegation also elaborated on China’s specific measures to boost economic and trade ties between China and the EU, as well as between China and Belgium and China and Serbia, further expand high-standard opening-up, and pursue high-quality development. Additionally, they exchanged views with European, Belgian, and Serbian think tanks on cooperation between the COSC and these institutions.

Meeting with Nikola Stojanović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade of Serbia

During the visit, the delegation was received by Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU; Li Ming, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia; and Li Yan, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium.