China, EU to hold summit in Beijing as trade tensions simmer

China confirmed on July 21 that it will host a high-level summit with the European Union this week in Beijing, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The talks come as both China and the EU seek to navigate a wave of global trade frictions and geopolitical uncertainties.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are set to visit China on July 24, where they will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese foreign ministry announced, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

The 25th China-EU summit will be co-chaired by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the EU leaders on the same day.

The meeting takes place against the backdrop of increasing trade tensions, with China aiming to strengthen economic and political ties with the European bloc to counterbalance the growing volatility in its relationship with the United States.

Bilateral relations between China and the EU have experienced significant strain since 2021, when Brussels imposed sanctions on Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region. Beijing swiftly responded with retaliatory measures, leading to a suspension of many diplomatic and economic exchanges.

Tensions have further deepened over a series of trade disputes, including EU investigations into Chinese-made electric vehicles, as well as disagreements over European brandy, pork, medical device procurement, and access to rare earth materials.

Despite these frictions, the EU has expressed interest in easing tensions amid a volatile global trade environment.

In a recent speech, von der Leyen acknowledged China's economic achievements but criticized its trade practices, saying the country had “flooded global markets with its overcapacity, limited access to its market, and de-facto enabled Russia's war economy.”

The EU maintains a complex view of its relationship with China, describing the country as “a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor and a systemic rival.”

Following US President Donald Trump's imposition of sweeping tariffs in April, von der Leyen urged for collaborative efforts to support global trade norms during a phone call with Premier Li. 

“It is EU and China's responsibility to support a strong reformed trading system, free, fair and founded on a level playing field,” she said.

By Sabina Mammadli