EU leaders ready for tough talks at China summit
EU-China Summit: A Clash of Trade, Security and Strategy
Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen arrive in Beijing on Thursday, heading into a summit that promises to highlight, rather than resolve, the deep-rooted tensions between the European Union and China.
Agenda One: The Trade Deficit
- China’s trade surplus with the EU stood at a staggering $357 billion last year.
- Von der Leyen has labeled the deficit as “unsustainable” and urged China to open markets for European firms.
- China counters that Brussels must “rebalance its mentality” rather than its economic ties.
Agenda Two: Rare Earths and Export Controls
- EU seeks looser restrictions on rare earths, a sector critical to high‑tech manufacturing.
- China insists on maintaining strict export controls to safeguard its own security interests.
Agenda Three: The Ukraine War
- EU blames Beijing’s growing economic partnership with Russia as a form of tacit support.
- EU’s new sanctions package includes two Chinese banks, provoking Beijing’s solemn representations to the EU commerce minister.
- EU analysts note that China supplies roughly 80 percent of the dual‑use goods that feed the war.
Expectations and Realities
Brussels is clear: “We do not expect breakthroughs,” but the summit remains a vital channel for maintaining dialogue. Analysts are cautious, warning that concrete progress on any hot‑button issue is unlikely and that Europe may need to rethink its long‑term strategy toward China.
Key Takeaway
The meeting, though set against a backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, is less a promise of change and more a reminder that Europe’s relationship with China is at a pivotal juncture shaped by structural, economic and geopolitical factors.
