Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend a summit in Brussels commemorating the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the event, as reported by the Financial Times on March 16, 2025.
Traditionally, the Chinese premier attends summits held in Brussels, while the president hosts them in Beijing. However, the European Union had specifically invited President Xi for this milestone occasion, emphasizing the significance of half a century of diplomatic ties between China and the bloc.
Relations between Brussels and Beijing have become increasingly strained in recent years. The EU has expressed concerns over China’s perceived support for Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, in October 2024, the EU imposed double-digit tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports after an anti-subsidy investigation, adding to the standard 10% car import duty. This move drew strong protests from Beijing, which subsequently raised market entry barriers for certain European products, including brandy.
Despite these challenges, both parties continue to engage in dialogue. Informal discussions are ongoing regarding the scheduling and representation level for the upcoming EU-China summit. An EU official noted that talks are in progress to set a date and determine the appropriate level of representation for the summit.
China, the world’s second-largest economy, and the EU, its third-largest, remain significant economic partners. However, issues such as overcapacity, allegations of illegal subsidies, and market dumping have led to a series of trade disputes. In 2024, both sides exchanged criticisms over these concerns, further complicating their economic relationship.
The upcoming summit is expected to address these and other pressing issues, aiming to find common ground and strengthen bilateral relations amidst the current geopolitical landscape.
