global economy

The Chinese government has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa in Beijing later this week.

The high-level engagement, scheduled for Thursday, coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.

China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the visit will include both bilateral talks with President Xi and participation in the 25th China-EU summit, which will be co-chaired by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The meetings are expected to address a range of issues, with trade disputes and geopolitical alignments likely to feature prominently.

This year’s summit takes place against a backdrop of heightened global economic uncertainty and intensifying trade friction. Relations between Beijing and Brussels have experienced multiple strains in recent years, particularly following the EU’s 2021 sanctions on Chinese officials in connection with human rights violations in the Xinjiang region. China responded with counter-sanctions targeting EU officials and institutions, resulting in a protracted freeze in bilateral engagement.

While both sides have gradually resumed dialogue, economic disputes have continued to disrupt relations. Ongoing investigations and retaliatory actions have centred on Chinese exports of electric vehicles and medical devices, EU imports of brandy and pork, and access to critical materials such as rare earths. Brussels has expressed concern over what it views as market distortion caused by Chinese industrial overcapacity and limited reciprocal access to the Chinese market.

In a recent speech, President von der Leyen acknowledged China’s economic achievements but criticised what she described as its contribution to global imbalances. She stated that the country’s large-scale production has flooded international markets, exacerbating competitive pressures for European industries. Von der Leyen also pointed to China’s continued economic alignment with Russia as a source of concern for the EU.

The European Union currently defines its relationship with China in three dimensions: as a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival. Despite the challenging trade environment, there is growing recognition in Brussels of the need to stabilise relations with Beijing. Officials have highlighted the importance of dialogue and transparency in order to manage differences and avoid further escalation.

Premier Li Qiang is expected to use the summit to press for greater cooperation and to push back against what Beijing sees as increasing protectionism in the West. In a recent telephone conversation with Li, von der Leyen emphasised the shared responsibility of China and the EU to uphold a “strong, reformed trading system” based on fairness, openness, and a level playing field. The call followed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a new wave of tariffs on a wide range of imports in April, prompting concerns in both Brussels and Beijing about further disruption to the global trading order.

The summit will also offer an opportunity for both sides to explore avenues for collaboration in areas beyond trade. Climate change, digital regulation, and global security challenges are expected to be included in the agenda. However, the atmosphere remains cautious, with mutual distrust persisting over strategic intentions and regulatory practices.

Von der Leyen’s visit to Beijing follows recent outreach by other European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom have expressed support for a calibrated EU policy that maintains economic engagement while reinforcing core European values and strategic autonomy.

China, for its part, has stepped up diplomatic efforts in Europe, aiming to counterbalance deteriorating relations with Washington. The ongoing U.S.-China tariff war and geopolitical rivalry have led Beijing to seek stronger ties with the EU as a counterweight. This week’s summit may therefore be seen as part of a broader strategy by Xi Jinping to shore up key international partnerships amid shifting global alliances.

While no major breakthroughs are expected, analysts note that the resumption of regular high-level contact may help to contain further deterioration in EU-China relations. The 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties provides a symbolic backdrop for a recalibration of the relationship.