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China-EU relations
ChinaDiplomacy

China sees Europe as key trade partner, Xi Jinping tells visiting EU leaders

  • Expectations were low as the Chinese leader met Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the heads of the European Council and Commission
  • Von der Leyen said later the bloc wanted to work with Beijing on artificial intelligence and had asked it to use its influence to stop Russia’s war in Ukraine

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President Xi Jinping pictured with European Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen In Beijing. Photo: Xinhua
Hayley Wong

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has told visiting EU leaders that Europe will be a key trade partner in fields such as technology and supply chains.

Xi was meeting the Presidents of the European Commission and Council, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, in Beijing for a summit held amid strained relations.

Europe has embarked on a strategy of “de-risking” its relations with China and has been increasingly vocal about its concerns about unfair trade practices, including an investigation into alleged state subsidies for electric vehicle makers.

Other areas of tension include Taiwan, the war in Ukraine – and concerns Chinese firms are helping Russia get round sanctions – as well as a growing trade deficit that reached €390 billion (US$420.5 billion) in China’s favour last year, according to the EU.

Despite low expectations there will be substantial progress on these issues, both sides sent positive signals from the morning meeting.

“China is promoting high-quality development and high-level opening-up, and will view the EU as a key partner in trade, a prioritised partner in technology cooperation, and a trustworthy partner in industrial and supply chain cooperation,” Xi said, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.

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