"China welcomes European Council President Costa and European Commission President von der Leyen to come to China for a new round of China-EU meetings," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

"The two sides will also conduct high-level dialogues in areas such as strategy, economy and trade, green development," he said.

Lin did not say when the EU chiefs would visit.

"China looks forward to working together with the EU to... strengthen dialogue and cooperation, properly handle differences and divergences, (and) promote the continued development of China-EU relations," he said.

The comments came after China lifted sanctions against five European Union parliament members that were imposed in a showdown over the treatment of the Uyghur minority group.

And Beijing last week hailed its ties with the European Union as adding "precious stability" to the global economy.

China is seeking closer relations with the bloc as its trade war with Washington persists.