Exchanges between legislative bodies are an important component of China-Europe relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday when asked to comment on the visit of members of the European Parliament to China from March 31 to April 2.

The visit is the first European Parliament delegation to visit China in eight years.

Mao noted that at the invitation of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, a delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection has begun its visit to China from Tuesday.

We believe this visit will help promote exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of China and Europe, enhance the European Parliament's understanding and perception of China, and contribute to the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations, Mao said.

Global Times