On November 5, 2007, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with a delegation of the East West Institute (EWI) headed by Chairman Emeritus George Russell Jr. and President, Founder and CEO John Edwin Mroz. Both sides exchanged views on Sino-U.S. ties, China-EU relations and other issues.

Tang said China values the relations with the United States and the Europe. As the world is currently undergoing great changes and adjustments and the international situation is more complex, all countries, faced with new problems and challenges in development, are becoming more inter-dependent. China, the United States and Europe not only shoulder important roles but also have extensive common interests on safeguarding world peace and security, and promoting development and prosperity, said Tang. The three sides should enhance mutual understanding, trust and cooperation and handle the relations from strategic height, taking long-term interests into consideration, said Tang. He called on the three sides to cope with difficulties and challenges together so as to create a stable, equal and cooperative international environment.

EWI, an international think tank consisted of former government officials, scholars and entrepreneurs from the United States and Europe, is engaged in discussions and exchanges on global security, conflict prevention and East-West relations.