Chinese President Declines EU Invitation for 50th Anniversary Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to the EU anniversary summit, with Premier Li Qiang to represent China instead. The EU is eager for Xi’s attendance to celebrate 50 years of ties. Ongoing disputes regarding trade and tariffs highlight the complexities of EU-China relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has opted not to accept an invitation to attend a summit in Brussels commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). According to the Financial Times, Beijing has indicated that Premier Li Qiang will instead represent China at the meeting with the leaders of the European Council and Commission.

Typically, the Chinese Premier participates in the summit when hosted in Brussels, while the President oversees it when conducted in Beijing. However, the European Union is eager for President Xi to attend this significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing relationship between the two parties.

An EU official stated, “Informal discussions are ongoing, both about setting the date for the EU-China summit this year and the level of representation.” Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry has not communicated any information concerning this matter.

As the second-largest economy globally, China engages significantly with the EU, the third-largest economy. Their interactions throughout 2024 have been contentious, characterized by accusations regarding overcapacity, illegal subsidies, and market dumping.

In a notable move in October, the EU instituted double-digit tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in China, following an anti-subsidy investigation, adding to the existing 10% import duty on cars. This action spurred considerable backlash from Beijing, which subsequently increased trade barriers for specific EU imports, such as brandy.

In summary, President Xi Jinping’s decision to decline the EU summit invitation reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions and contrasting expectations regarding leadership representation. While the EU seeks to emphasize the significance of their longstanding bilateral ties, the situation underscores the complexities of trade relations marked by recent disputes. Continued dialogue appears crucial for addressing these challenges and fostering mutual understanding between the two economic powerhouses.

Original Source: al24news.com