China welcomed on Tuesday the visit of a delegation from the European Parliament, saying the trip is expected to enhance exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and the European Union and promote the steady development of bilateral relations.

Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said exchanges between legislative bodies are an important part of China-EU ties.

According to media reports, a nine-member delegation, led by the chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee Anna Cavazzini, will visit Beijing and Shanghai from Tuesday to Thursday. It is the first such delegation to China in eight years.

Mao said China believes the visit will help advance exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two sides, improve the European Parliament's understanding and perception of China, and contribute to the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.