At a one-day summit in Beijing, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that EU-China relations have reached an "inflection point," signaling a crucial shift in the dynamics of their partnership. In discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, von der Leyen pointed out the growing trade deficit, which reached €305.8 billion last year, and emphasized the need for both parties to engage more meaningfully amidst rising tensions.
Inflection Point: EU-China Relations Under Strain
Inflection Point: EU-China Relations Under Strain
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen terms EU-China ties as crucially contentious during a summit in Beijing.
Xi Jinping responded by stressing that the current challenges Europe faces do not stem from China, while urging EU leaders to manage their differences. The summit was characterized by a cautious atmosphere, given that it had been trimmed to just one day at China's request, and earlier relations had soured over concerns regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. The EU's implementation of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and accompanying responses from Beijing highlighted the fragility of their economic relationship, with both sides keen to establish a framework for future cooperation.
Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment for a rebalanced partnership, calling for enhanced market access for European firms and reduction of export controls. Additionally, the summit featured dialogues on China’s influence over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. European leaders stressed the need for China to use its leverage to help end the ongoing conflict.
Despite the statements of mutual hope for cooperation, the mood remained tense. With past gestures, such as Xi's absence at a summit in Brussels and his attendance at a Russian military parade, complicating relationships, the European Parliament's China delegation head, Engin Eroglu, noted that trust has deteriorated. The repercussions of sanctions against Chinese banks, linked to their support for Russia, created an awkward backdrop for the summit.
Discussions emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue to address serious trade imbalances and the geopolitical ramifications of the conflicting narratives surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war. As the EU grapples with protecting its interests amid an increasingly complex international landscape, the future of EU-China relations hangs in the balance.
Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment for a rebalanced partnership, calling for enhanced market access for European firms and reduction of export controls. Additionally, the summit featured dialogues on China’s influence over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. European leaders stressed the need for China to use its leverage to help end the ongoing conflict.
Despite the statements of mutual hope for cooperation, the mood remained tense. With past gestures, such as Xi's absence at a summit in Brussels and his attendance at a Russian military parade, complicating relationships, the European Parliament's China delegation head, Engin Eroglu, noted that trust has deteriorated. The repercussions of sanctions against Chinese banks, linked to their support for Russia, created an awkward backdrop for the summit.
Discussions emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue to address serious trade imbalances and the geopolitical ramifications of the conflicting narratives surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war. As the EU grapples with protecting its interests amid an increasingly complex international landscape, the future of EU-China relations hangs in the balance.
