China's Xi Urges EU Strategic Choices Amid Trade Tensions, 50-Year Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the European Union to make the "right strategic choice" by enhancing cooperation with China amid deepening global trade tensions and geopolitical challenges during the 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties. Xi emphasized the importance of strengthening communication, mutual trust, and cooperation to provide stability and certainty in a turbulent international environment, highlighting the mutual benefits of China-EU relations despite existing frictions such as trade imbalances and rare earths supply disruptions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the need to rebalance economic ties and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, framing the summit as an opportunity to advance relations despite the EU’s view of China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. The summit, shortened from two days to one, reflected strained ties exacerbated by issues like China’s export controls on rare earths and ongoing geopolitical tensions related to Ukraine. Both sides called for continued dialogue and collaboration to navigate complex global transformations, with China positioning itself as a reliable partner and a force for multilateralism and openness. Overall, the summit underscored the challenge of managing a multifaceted relationship amid broader international uncertainties and strategic competition.