A summit between China and the European Union (EU) began in Beijing on Thursday, with leaders expected to discuss issues ranging from trade disputes to the conflict in Ukraine.
However, expectations have been dampened by uncertainty about global trade, politics, and the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had previously reportedly declined a visit to Brussels, where the summit was originally scheduled to take place. China announced this week that Xi will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Beijing.
Optimism surrounds EU-China ties at the beginning of the year, with expectations that a Donald Trump administration in the US would bring the two economic powerhouses closer.
The conference provides an opportunity for the EU and China to “advance and rebalance” their relationship, Von der Leyen wrote on X soon after landing in Beijing. I’m certain there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation… The first that can establish the next 50 years of our relations,” she elaborated.
Her statements reflect the image of hope that both sides have presented ahead of the conference. EU officials had stated that they were prepared for open discussions, whilst Chinese officials saw it as an opportunity for closer collaboration.
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