A high-level summit between the EU and China is scheduled to take place in Beijing in July 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
However, the event goes beyond a symbolic anniversary.
Against the backdrop of increasing protectionist U.S. policies and instability in international relations, the EU is seeking to strengthen ties with China, viewing it as a potential strategic partner in a multipolar world.
Transatlantic Tensions
With Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency in 2025, EU-U.S. relations have once again become strained.
The Trump administration has imposed new tariffs on European goods, including 10% on all goods and 25% on steel and cars.
These measures have raised concerns in Brussels as they undermine the foundations of the multilateral trading order and call into question the credibility of the transatlantic partnership.
EU-China Rapprochement: Pragmatism and Mutual Interests
In response to the U.S. actions, the EU has stepped up its dialogue with China.
Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Leaders discussed the need to strengthen cooperation between the EU and China, especially in the face of global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and international multilateral reform.
Xi Jinping stressed the importance of joint efforts by the EU and China to counter "unilateral bullying" and protect economic globalisation.
The Chinese leader proposed that the EU and China work together to maintain stability and predictability in global trade.​
Potential and Challenges in EU-China Relations
The EU-China rapprochement offers new opportunities for both sides.
For the EU, it is a chance to diversify trade relations, reduce dependence on the US, whilst strengthening its position in Asia.
For China, it is an opportunity to increase its influence in Europe and promote the Belt and Road Initiative.​
However, there are also challenges.
The EU is concerned about human rights issues in China, especially regarding the Uyghurs and the situation in Hong Kong.
European companies also face restrictions in the Chinese market, including intellectual property issues and access to public tenders.​
Prospects: Balancing Values ​​and Interests
The EU is in a difficult situation; balancing its values against ​​pressing strategic interests in a world of realpolitik is a uphill battle. ​
The upcoming summit in July could be a turning point in EU-China relations.
If the parties can find common ground and agree on concrete steps to deepen cooperation, this could lay the foundation for a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership in the future.
Trade Between the Countries
Trade between the European Union and China has reached record levels: in 2024, bilateral trade exceeded 850 billion euros.
China is the EU's second-largest trading partner after the United States, and the EU is China's largest export market.
EU imports from China cover a wide range of goods, from electronics and textiles to solar panels.
EU exports to China include cars, engineering products and pharmaceuticals. Sectors related to the green economy, such as cleantech, batteries, and hydrogen solutions, are developing particularly rapidly.
July’s summit will be a test of strength for China and the EU.
Whether or not Brussels realises the realities of realpolitik, in a new world order with Trump at the helm, will tell.
Strategic pragmatism is the way to go if the EU aims to diversify its partnerships whilst retaining its ‘moral clout’ on neoliberalism.
Stay tuned to Daily Euro Times for the latest insights!
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