Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend the EU-China summit in Brussels, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. Instead, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will represent Beijing at the high-level meeting.
Diplomatic Sources Confirm Xi’s Absence
According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the Chinese leadership informed EU officials that Premier Li Qiang would meet with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.
Traditionally, EU-China summits alternate between the two capitals, with China’s premier attending those in Brussels while Xi participates in summits held in Beijing. However, given the symbolic significance of this year’s summit, the EU had expected Xi to make an exception and attend in person.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the initial refusal by Xi reinforces a perception in Brussels that China is unwilling to match its rhetoric on global cooperation with concrete actions. The decision also comes amid growing tensions between Beijing and the EU, exacerbated by geopolitical and economic disagreements.
Rising Tensions in EU-China Relations
The summit takes place at a sensitive time for EU-China relations. Strains have intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing Beijing of tacitly supporting the Kremlin.
Additionally, the European Commission has imposed tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, alleging that state subsidies give them an unfair competitive advantage.
Further complicating matters, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recently asserted that China stands to benefit the most from the trade disputes instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump against his allies.
Trump’s return to the White House has led to a renewed push for a more protectionist U.S. trade policy, which has influenced economic dynamics between China and the EU.
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