The 20th China-EU leaders' meeting was held in Beijing earlier today. Co-chaired by top officials from Europe and China, both sides say they are determined to deepen strategic cooperation, as well as uphold globalization and multilateralism. Our reporter Zou Yun has the story.

Common ground reached between China and the EU. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says given the current complicated landscape, both sides agree China and the EU must uphold multilateralism and free trade. The Chinese government has made tremendous efforts in further opening up, facilitating market access, and bettering the investment environment for foreign companies doing businesses in China. Li emphasized China's determination in securing companies, saying both foreign and domestic ones will be treated equally.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Let me repeat, as long as you are registered here in China, you will be treated the same as Chinese companies. We forbid any forced transfer of intellectual property, and will deal with IP violations in a more serious manner. For those who violate intellectual property laws, we will punish them to the fullest extent of the law so that they cannot afford to commit such violations again."

Heads of both the European Commission and European Council reiterated their stance that multilateralism is the way forward. The EU expects to promote multilateralism and free trade with China, as well as to make lasting improvements of the world order, instead of destroying it.

DONALD TUSK, PRESIDENT EUROPEAN COUNCIL "It is the common duty of Europe and China, but also America and Russia, not to destroy (the global trade order) but to improve it, not to start trade wars which turned into hot conflicts so often in our history."

Also on Monday, both China and the EU signed several agreements on customs cooperation regarding Intellectual Property Rights, investment, energy etc.

ZOU YUN BEIJING "This year marks the 20th anniversary of China-EU leaders' meeting mechanism. Both sides hope this meeting could further promote bilateral ties as well as to work together to safeguard multilateralism. Zou Yun, CGTN, Beijing."