Navigating Friction: EU-China Trade Tensions Peak at Diplomatic Summit

At a tense summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged EU leaders to handle differences as trade tensions peak. EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, seek a balanced approach amid a record trade deficit and recent disputes over China’s overcapacity and global market influence.

At the highly anticipated summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the European Union to "properly handle differences and frictions." The meeting, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations, was overshadowed by trade tensions and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa were present as Xi criticized recent EU trade actions, asserting that Europe's challenges do not stem from China. He emphasized the importance of open cooperation, urging the EU against 'building walls and fortresses' or 'decoupling' strategies.

Von der Leyen highlighted the EU's unprecedented trade deficit with China and expressed the need to rebalance the relationship. She acknowledged the inflection point both are at, urging China for constructive solutions. Despite disagreements, both sides aim to collaborate on climate action, one of the few shared priorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)