BEIJING: European leaders engaged in crucial talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, marking their first in-person meeting in over four years. The discussions, which aimed to navigate post-pandemic recovery and address strained relations, covered a range of topics from climate change to geopolitical conflicts.
While the European Union (EU) sought to find common ground on shared interests, such as climate action and public health, sensitive issues surfaced. The EU expressed concerns over human rights, China’s ties with Russia amidst the war in Ukraine, and the substantial trade gap between the EU and China.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the EU’s stance on trade imbalances, stating that the bloc would “not tolerate” the current situation indefinitely. China, in response, criticized the EU’s attempts to restrict sensitive tech exports, calling the approach illogical.
The EU has expressed intentions to “derisk” economic ties with China, particularly after the Ukraine conflict highlighted Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. Beijing’s objective during the talks was to hinder or delay this derisking process with minimal impact, projecting an image of a responsible global actor.
Notably, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, reflecting growing concerns about political influence and limited economic benefits.
Discussions also covered global conflicts, including the fighting between Israel and Hamas, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and tensions over Taiwan. While China welcomed Vladimir Putin in October, showcasing a deep friendship, EU leaders approach the talks with a level of skepticism.
The summit agenda included a tight schedule, with meetings between EU leaders and President Xi followed by discussions with Premier Li Qiang. The EU urged China to leverage its ties with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. The talks also touched on environmental issues, the automotive sector, and concerns about China’s subsidies affecting foreign competitors.
As both sides navigate their differences, the outcome remains uncertain, with EU leaders emphasizing the importance of building a constructive future while acknowledging existing disparities.
