EU, China Hold Low-Expectations 50th Anniversary Summit in Beijing Amid Rising Tensions

The 25th China-EU Summit, held amid the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, faces low expectations due to escalating trade tensions and geopolitical conflicts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, but the summit has been marked by a reduction from a planned two-day event to a single day, reflecting strained relations. While China seeks to reset ties and emphasize pragmatic cooperation, recent disputes—such as China's restriction on rare earth exports and its support for Russia—have deepened mistrust. European leaders have expressed concerns over China's use of trade leverage as a coercive tool, and the summit is expected to yield few concrete agreements beyond a joint climate statement. Despite official efforts to foster frank dialogue, the broader political context, including the disruptive impact of President Donald Trump's administration on global alliances, complicates prospects for meaningful progress. Overall, the summit highlights the challenges in navigating a complex and often adversarial relationship between two major global powers.