On October 24, 2011, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with visiting Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi first extended warm welcome for Crown Prince Philippe to head a large business delegation to China and asked Prince Philippe to convey his cordial greetings and good wishes to King Albert II. He said Prince Philippe's China visit comes as the two countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, which falls on October 25, 2011. It fully indicates the great importance the Belgian Royal Family, government and Prince Philippe attach to developing bilateral ties. Tapping trade potential tops the agenda for the visit of Prince Philippe. Xi believes Prince Philippe's current visit will further facilitate China-Belgium relations and, in particular, the two countries' trade ties.

Xi spoke highly of the contribution of Prince Philippe and the Belgian Royal Family to cementing the China-Belgium friendship, adding that the foundations for the stable growth of China-Belgium relations are mutual respect, equality and the accommodation of each other's core interests. He hoped that both sides will continue to grasp the overall situation of bilateral relations and jointly push for China-Belgium friendship and pragmatic cooperation.

Xi also briefed the guest on China's adherence to the road of peaceful development and implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan.

Prince Philippe expressed sincere thanks for Vice President Xi's warm hospitality. He said he fully agreed with Xi's views on boosting bilateral cooperation as well as proposals on furthering pragmatic cooperation in all areas. He vowed joint efforts with China to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen people-to-people understanding and friendship and expand exchanges in areas such as technology, education and culture.