Thu Jul 24 07:43:39 UTC 2025: **Xi Jinping Urges EU to Make “Correct Strategic Choices” Amidst Trade Tensions and Ukraine War**

**Beijing, China** – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with top European Union officials in Beijing on Thursday, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations at a time of significant strain. During the 25th EU-China Summit, President Xi urged the EU to make “correct strategic choices” in the face of global challenges, emphasizing the need for open cooperation and proper handling of differences amidst rising trade frictions and disagreements over China’s relationship with Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa engaged in discussions with Xi in the Great Hall of the People. Von der Leyen highlighted the growing trade imbalances between the EU and China, noting the historic 305.8 billion euro ($360 billion) trade deficit. She called for “real solutions” to address the imbalance, with the EU having recently targeted Chinese exports, including electric vehicles, due to concerns about industrial overcapacity.

Xi countered by urging the EU to keep trade and investment markets open and refrain from restrictive economic measures, stating that improving competitiveness should not rely on “building walls and fortresses.” He warned that “decoupling and breaking chains” would only lead to isolation.

Another key point of contention was China’s relationship with Russia amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Costa urged China to use its influence to help end Russia’s “war of aggression,” while Brussels has expressed concerns that China’s deepening ties with Russia represent tacit support, helping its economy weather Western sanctions.

Despite the tensions, both sides are expected to sign an agreement on climate change and carbon emissions, according to Reuters, offering a potential area for cooperation. Chinese officials have framed the summit as an opportunity to normalize relations amidst global uncertainty.

The summit, the first in-person meeting between Chinese and EU leaders since 2023, comes after the EU recently adopted a new package of sanctions on Russia, including measures targeting two Chinese banks, leading to strong objections from Beijing.

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