On July 20, 2005, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and visiting president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jakob Kellenberger signed in Beijing the Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Functions and Major Responsibilities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the People's Republic of China Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Standing Vice President Jiang Yiman of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) was present at the signing ceremony.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Li held a meeting with Kellenberger. Li made positive comments on the role and major contributions of the ICRC in the international humanitarian field, expressed satisfaction over the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations and extended welcome to the establishment of ICRC's local delegation in China. He hopes both sides further strengthen cooperation and make joint efforts to promote the progress of international humanitarian undertaking.

Kellenberger thanked China for its long-term support for the ICRC and noted that the ICRC attaches importance to the role of the Chinese government and the RCSC and hopes reinforce exchanges and cooperation with all the related Chinese departments in a bid to constantly push forward the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.