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EU-China summit highlights strained relations

Tensions escalate with lack of progress and new trade disputes before Thursday's summit in Beijing.

July 22, 2025 at 05:49 PM

EU-China ties buckle under Trump’s trade pressure

The upcoming summit in Beijing highlights deteriorating ties between the EU and China.

EU-China relations face new challenges ahead of Beijing summit

As tensions rise, the upcoming summit in Beijing is expected to reveal a lack of progress between the EU and China. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has shifted her stance toward Beijing, adopting a tougher approach. This comes as China responded negatively to recent sanctions imposed by the EU on two Chinese banks amid the ongoing conflict involving Russia. In addition to this geopolitical backdrop, trade disputes continue to escalate, with both sides imposing retaliatory measures over trade practices that they find objectionable.

Key Takeaways

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EU-China relations are at a low point as the summit nears.

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Von der Leyen's tone has shifted to a more hawkish stance.

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China's opposition to EU sanctions shows deepening rifts.

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Trade disputes are escalating with retaliatory tariffs on both sides.

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The summit's duration reflects strained diplomatic ties.

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Political dynamics surrounding Russia complicate the discussions.

"There has been very little progress between Brussels and Beijing"

This highlights the current state of EU-China relations as the summit approaches.

"You’ll have to hit back with market access"

A call for a strong response from Europe against China's export restrictions.

"This shows strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition"

China's reaction to EU sanctions reflects the tense relationship.

"The irritants are multiplying between the two superpowers"

This emphasizes the growing challenges in EU-China economic relations.

The EU-China summit underscores the complexity of global diplomacy. With von der Leyen adopting a more confrontational approach, the balancing act between maintaining trade relations and supporting allied interests becomes increasingly precarious. The friction around China's export policies and the backdrop of Russia's aggression may compel Europe to reassess its strategies towards both China and its own security frameworks.