EU naval ties in search of more wind

Two Chinese Navy vessels, CNS Yancheng and CNS Taihu, conducted a joint counter-piracy exercise with two EU Naval Force warships, FS Siroco and FGS Hessen, in the Gulf of Aden on March 20. The exercise included maneuvering of ships, refueling at sea, joint boarding and small-arms firing, with military helicopters hovering above. Significant as the exercise was, being the first between China and the European Union, it also laid the groundwork for President Xi Jinping's visit to Brussels on March 31.

China-EU military exchanges will help deepen trust between the two militaries as well as contribute to broader China-EU ties. Economic relations between China and the EU are strong with the EU being the largest trading partner of China, and China being the second largest for the EU.

On the defense front, five China-EU security policy dialogues have been held since 2010. And Catherine Ashton, EU foreign policy and security chief, has held regular meetings with Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and former defense minister Liang Guanglie.