China, EU need to make the right choice as ‘2 big guys’ on world stage: Xi
Relationship is at an ‘inflection point’, von der Leyen tells Chinese leader as 25th China-EU summit begins in Beijing
“Amid the accelerating transformation unseen in a century and an international landscape fraught with turbulence and transformation, China and Europe must once again demonstrate vision and responsibility by making the right strategic choices that meet people’s expectations and stand the test of history,” Xi said.
The first face-to-face EU-China summit since December 2023 convenes as the two sides mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, though celebrations are tempered by escalating trade disputes.
Beijing is seeking to present itself as a stable alternative partner for Europe, particularly as US President Donald Trump has slapped steep tariffs on the 27-nation bloc.
He added that the two sides should reinforce their partnership as a cornerstone in bilateral ties, saying that the West should judge China in a correct way, according to a Chinese statement released after his meeting with senior EU officials.
“If China is measured by the paths taken by the West, perceptions of China will inevitably be skewed,” Xi said, adding that the challenges Europe was facing “were not from China”.