On November 20, 2009, China and the European Union held the 28th round of human rights dialogue in Beijing. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei met with the EU delegation. Wu Hailong, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of Foreign Ministry, and Jan Nordlander, the ambassador at large for human rights of Sweden, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, co-chaired the dialogue. Representatives from relevant agencies of China and EU attended the dialogue.

He Yafei said China attaches importance to the role and influence of the European Union in international affairs and to develop ties with EU is an important part of China's foreign policy. China is ready to work with the EU to push forward China-EU relations. The human rights dialogue was an important platform and channel for China and the European Union to handle human right issues in a constructive way. He hoped the two sides will follow the general trend of international cooperation and abide by the principles of equality and mutual respect for the healthy development of China-EU dialogue on human rights. The EU side noted that the European Union attaches great importance to ties with China and is full of expectation to the upcoming 12th EU-China summit. Human rights dialogue is an important component in EU-China relations. The EU is ready to continue cooperation and dialogue with China to push forward the cause of human rights and the rule of law of both sides.

During the dialogue, the two sides introduced each side's latest developments in the field of human rights, and exchanged views on the rule of law and the international cooperation on human rights in an in-depth and candid manner. The Chinese side expounded China's measures to deepen reform on judicial system, to ensure judicial impartiality and to conduct international cooperation in human rights affairs. The EU side made positive comments on China's efforts and achievements in promoting and protecting human rights. The EU side also briefed the Chinese side on the EU nations' new legislation and new measures to improve human rights. The two sides agreed to maintain the sound momentum of the human rights dialogue and exchanges, to promote the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. During their stay in Beijing, the EU delegation visited the Supreme People's Court, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, People's Procuratorate of Haidian District and Legal Aid Center of Chaoyang District.