Xi Jinping declines EU invitation for anniversary summit

Sunday 16 March 2025 - 14:40

Chinese President Xi Jinping has turned down an invitation to attend a summit in Brussels commemorating the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, according to the Financial Times. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China, meeting with the heads of the European Council and Commission. While the Chinese premier typically attends the summit when it is held in Brussels, the EU hoped for Xi's participation to mark the milestone of half a century of relations.

Tensions between the EU and China have increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing China of supporting Russia's actions. Additionally, in 2024, the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports.

Both China and the EU, which are major global economic powers, have clashed over trade issues such as illegal subsidies, overcapacity, and market dumping. In October, the EU implemented tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles following an investigation into anti-subsidy practices, to which China responded by increasing market barriers for certain European goods.

Discussions are still underway regarding the EU-China summit's date and the level of representation.