On January 30, 2010, AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping met at the African Union (AU) headquarters with special envoy of the Chinese government Zhai Jun, also Vice Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the 14th African Union (AU) summit.

Zhai said that China-AU relations have been experiencing sound development, with exchanges and dialogue in various fields ever expanding and deepening. Zhai said the two sides have already successfully held two rounds of the China-AU Strategic Dialogue and that construction of the AU Conference Center, which China helps build, is proceeding well. China values the friendly cooperative relationship with the AU and views the AU as an important partner on African and even global issues, said Zhai. China would like to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the AU to push relations between the two sides to a new level, he said.

Extending welcome for Zhai to attend the AU summit, Jean Ping described China as a reliable friend and partner of African countries. The AU appreciates China's constructive role in both international and African affairs, China's important contribution to African development and its support for Africa's integration, he said. Jean Ping said the AU hopes to further enhance coordination and consultations and promote cooperation with China in dealing with major global issues.

The two also exchanged views on issues of common concern including the situation in Africa and climate change.