EU–China: a quiet-footed Summit marks 50 years of relations

Half a century of relations always searching for a breakthrough. That’s how the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China can be summed up. It is being marked today in Beijing with a summit full of meaning. The key words: pragmatism and caution.

The European perspective

In the Financial Times, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was clear: the goal of the summit is to “advance and rebalance the relationship” after decades of deep cooperation. The timing is pivotal, and time is moving quickly. The EU is in the final countdown toward a potential deal with the U.S. on tariffs. Rumors are growing of a possible agreement at 15%, which could clearly shift the balance of the Beijing summit. Initially planned as a two-day event, the summit has been shortened to a single day. Several media outlets (AP and The Straits Times) interpret this shortening as a sign of caution.

China’s advice to the EU

President Xi Jinping urged both sides to “make the right strategic choices,” emphasizing the need to manage differences, deepen cooperation, and avoid decoupling supply chains. His words can easily be read as a call for the EU not to align itself with the strategic priorities of the Trump administration, nor to chase what Beijing views as a myth: strategic autonomy. The underlying message to Brussels is clear—don’t abandon economic interdependence with China. “The challenges facing Europe do not originate in China,” Xi stated. This was followed by China’s broader narrative for the future of EU–China relations: cooperation should deepen to “provide greater stability and certainty to the world through strong and stable China–EU ties.”

Trade relations in focus

China strongly opposes any potential EU decoupling from supply chains. “It would only lead to self-isolation,” Xi warned. Beijing is urging the EU to keep markets open and “show restraint” in using trade tools. The reference is likely to the more than 25 EU trade defence investigations launched against Chinese products in the past year. On the other hand, the EU is concerned about China’s regular export controls on critical minerals.
Meanwhile, the numbers speak for themselves: Chinese exports to the EU grew by 7% in the first half of this year, reaching $267 billion, while imports from the EU to China fell by 6% to $125 billion. This trend and imbalance are troubling for the EU. Von der Leyen stated: “For the relationship to be sustainable, it must be mutually beneficial”—a clear message that the current trend should be addressed, if not reversed.

Moscow: the elephant in the room

China’s support for Moscow and its continued refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are the summit’s unspoken, but central, issue. Von der Leyen described the state of EU–China relations as being at a “tipping point.” That’s why, along with European Council President António Costa, she opened the meeting by calling on Xi Jinping for “real solutions” to long-standing concerns: China’s massive trade surplus and its support for Putin. For the EU, rebalancing relations with China is now seen not as optional, but “essential”. Just yesterday, Beijing criticized recent EU sanctions on two Chinese banks involved in facilitating trade with Russia.