Next EU-China summit likely to be held in second half of July
The next EU-China summit will take place in the second half of July. Like the previous summit in 2023, it will be held in China, a spokesman for European Council president Antonio Costa confirmed on Friday.
China and the EU hold a summit every two years. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The last summit was held in Beijing in December 2023.
This year's was due to be held in Brussels. But in March, the Financial Times reported that Chinese president Xi Jinping had declined an invitation to travel to Europe for the summit. As a result, it will once again take place in China.
"In relation to the EU-China summit, we are coordinating with China to set a date. It is expected to take place in the second half of July," said Antonio Costa's spokesman.
Strengthening Asian relations
The confirmation comes as the EU seeks to diversify its trade relations after US president Donald Trump's tariffs rocked the global economy. China and the US are also currently engaged in a full-blown trade war, with import tariffs rising almost daily.
As the economic relationship between China and the US continues to fray, the EU is trying to reach out to Xi's government. On Thursday, negotiations began on minimum prices for Chinese-made electric cars.
Last week, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen phoned Chinese prime minister Li Qiang. She stressed the "urgency for structural solutions" to "rebalance the bilateral trade relationship" between the EU and China.
Before the China summit in July, Europe will also host an EU-Japan summit. This is currently being prepared and is expected to take place in Japan.
PHOTO © Dario Pignatelli / EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESS SERVICE / AFP
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