China, EU Tensions Ease Amid Strategic Talks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged European Union leaders to make 'the right strategic choice' and enhance cooperation with China amid international trade turbulence at a key summit in Beijing. The meeting between Xi and EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen was marked by deep-seated grievances over trade imbalance, China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and Beijing's control over the rare earths supply chain. The EU expressed concerns over China's 'flooding' of European markets with inexpensive goods and its backing for Russia, while China retaliated against EU trade probes and sanctions.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU officials met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing amid significant trade tensions and grievances. The EU seeks an end to China's government-backed exports, while China wants the EU to lift tariffs on Chinese electric cars and other exports. The summit is unlikely to resolve their differences, which also include China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war. Climate change is one area where both sides share similar views.

The Chinese border town of Manzhouli has become a crucial hub for Russia's economy, with trade between the two countries exceeding $240 billion last year. China is the largest buyer of Russian oil, timber, and coal, and is set to become the largest buyer of Russian natural gas. The trade has helped Russia survive international sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. China's support for Russia has strained its relationship with the European Union, which has urged China to reduce its economic support for Russia's war efforts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for China and Europe to work together during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Beijing. Xi described China and the EU as 'two big guys' on the world stage and urged them to make the right strategic choices amidst global changes. The 25th China-EU summit marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two entities.