Divides on trade and Ukraine in focus as EU and China’s leaders meet in Beijing

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, meeting Xi Jinping in the Chinese capital, said they need to manage their differences responsibly.

A top European Union official has told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that China and the EU must address both the imbalances in their trading relationship and Russian aggression against Ukraine, CCTV reports.

The two are divided on both issues.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, meeting Mr Xi in the Chinese capital Beijing, said they need to manage their differences responsibly.

“China is the EU’s most important trading partner,” Ms von der Leyen said in opening remarks posted on the commission’s website.

Ms von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the president of the EU Council, met Mr Xi in the morning and were meeting China’s number two leader, Premier Li Qiang, later in the day.

The EU is looking for better market access for a range of products including cosmetics, infant formula, wine and other alcoholic beverages..

The EU is calling on China to use its influence with Russia to end the invasion, ensure that exports from or via China are not aiding Russia’s war effort and support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace formula.

Ms von der Leyen said the EU and China have global responsibilities as major powers and a shared interest in peace and security.

“That is why it is essential to put an end to the Russian aggression against Ukraine and establish a just and lasting peace consistent with the UN Charter,” she said.

Mr Xi said China and the EU should promote political settlements of international hot-spot issues, according to CCTV, which did not include any specific mention of the wars in Ukraine or Gaza.