China-EU Summit to Tackle Trade Tensions Amid Global Uncertainty

China has confirmed it will host a high-level summit with the European Union in Beijing this week, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. The 25th China-EU summit comes as both sides navigate increasing global trade tensions and seek to stabilize their economic partnership.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will co-chair the summit with the EU leaders on the same day.

The summit arrives at a critical moment. With rising friction in global trade, especially between China and the United States, Beijing is working to strengthen ties with the EU to mitigate risks. Relations between China and the EU have faced setbacks since 2021, when Brussels imposed sanctions on Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Beijing responded with counter-sanctions, severely impacting diplomatic engagement.

Ongoing trade disputes have further strained the relationship. Disagreements include tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, restrictions on European pork and brandy, and tensions over market access for medical devices and rare earths.

Despite these issues, both sides are showing signs of renewed cooperation. Von der Leyen, while critical of China’s market dominance and support for Russia’s war economy, has also acknowledged the importance of economic ties. The EU labels China as a "partner, competitor, and systemic rival," reflecting its complex stance.

Following U.S. tariff hikes in April, von der Leyen emphasized in a call with Premier Li the joint responsibility of China and the EU to defend a fair and rules-based global trading system.

The summit is expected to explore paths toward de-escalating trade tensions and reinforcing bilateral cooperation amid geopolitical volatility.