Von Der Leyen Told Xi Jinping Of A "turning Point" In Relations

24.07.2025, 9:53
19,442

Patience has run out.

Relations between the EU and China have "reached a tipping point". Sustainable ties should be mutually beneficial.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said this, according to Reuters.

"As our cooperation has deepened, imbalances have grown. We have reached a tipping point," von der Leyen told Chinese President Si Jinping during a summit in Beijing.

She was referring to the EU's trade deficit with China, which rose to a historic 305.8 billion euros last year.

"Rebalancing our bilateral relationship is essential.... It is crucial for China and Europe to acknowledge our concerns and offer real solutions," the European Commission chief added.

In the meeting, Xi Jinping urged the EU to "make the right strategic choice" in a veiled criticism of Brussels' aggressive stance towards China.

"The more serious and complicated the international situation, the more China and the EU should strengthen ties, build mutual trust and deepen cooperation," Xi Jinping told von der Leyen.

The communist dictator said that "Chinese and European leaders should ... make the right strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people."

Summit amid disagreements

This is the first face-to-face meeting between EU and Chinese leaders since 2023. It comes amid intensifying disagreements after a brief period of possible détente.

The weeks leading up to the summit have been filled with tit-for-tat trade disputes and aggressive European rhetoric, such as von der Leyen's July 8 accusation that China is flooding global markets because of its overcapacity and "promoting Russia's war economy."

But shortly before the summit, von der Leyen spoke more conciliatory, calling it an opportunity to "both advance and rebalance our relationship."

China's position

The state-run Xinhua news agency said China is a "crucial partner" for Europe with a number of common interests.

"China is Europe's most important partner, not a systemic rival," the commentary said.

The statement said the two sides have common interests in trade, climate and global governance, adding: "These areas of common ground should not be overshadowed by individual points of friction."

The EU defines China as a "partner, competitor and systemic rival," which defines its strategic approach to China policy.

Expectations from the summit

The summit was shortened from two days to one at Beijing's request. It was also moved from Brussels to the Chinese capital because Xi Jinping refused to travel to Europe.

The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China. Before meeting with the Chinese leader, von der Leyen and European Council chief Antonio Costa hosted an EU-Japan summit in Tokyo.

Although no joint communique is planned, the EU intends to issue a statement with key messages. Bloomberg sources familiar with the talks said so.

The sides are also preparing a landmark climate declaration. It will be signed in Beijing on Thursday, with commitments to cut emissions and submit plans to the UN before the COP30 summit in Brazil.

Escalating trade tensions

EU-China relations are again marred by trade and geopolitical disputes. The EU accuses Beijing of supporting Moscow and has imposed sanctions on two Chinese banks and five companies.

Trade tensions are also rising. In the first half of 2025, China's surplus in goods trade with the EU was nearly $143 billion, a record for the half-year.

The EU has imposed duties on Chinese electric cars to curb the flow of cheap imports. In response, China has launched anti-dumping investigations into European brandy, dairy products and pork.

The president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, Jens Eskelund, said not to expect breakthrough agreements.

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Von Der Leyen Told Xi Jinping Of A "turning Point" In Relations

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