China’s Xi calls for pragmatism at summit with EU in uncertain times

China’s Xi calls for pragmatism at summit with EU in uncertain times

During a summit with top European Union officials, which takes place at a particularly tense time in their relationship, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that Europe and China must make the “correct strategic choices” in the face of recent global challenges.

Chinese and European leaders must “make correct strategic decisions that meet the expectations of the people and stand the test of time,” Xi said, according to state news outlet CCTV.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, and Antonio Costa, president of the EU, met in Beijing on Thursday to discuss the 25th EU-China summit.

In the midst of contentious disagreements, including Beijing’s ongoing support for Russia’s war machine and the EU’s trade deficit, the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.

More modest than the initial plans for a two-day meeting in Europe, the summit is the first in-person summit for Chinese and EU leaders since 2023.

Although there were low expectations prior to the meeting, according to Reuters news agency, European diplomats are expected to sign a deal on climate change and carbon emissions.

In a time of global uncertainty, stirred by US President Donald Trump and others, the summit has also been cited by Chinese state media and officials as a chance for Beijing and the EU to normalize relations.

In a post on X on Thursday, Von der Leyen presented the EU-China meeting in a similarly positive light.

“Our relationship can be improved and rebalanced at the summit.” She wrote, “I’m convinced there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation.” One that can account for our relationship’s 50th anniversary.

Source: Aljazeera

234Radio

234Radio is Africa's Premium Internet Radio that seeks to export Africa to the rest of the world.