Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined to attend the 50th anniversary summit of EU-China relations. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China. Discussions are ongoing regarding the summit’s date and representation, amidst rising trade tensions between the EU and China, including tariffs on vehicles and market entry barriers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to participate in a summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, as reported by the Financial Times. Instead of President Xi, Premier Li Qiang will meet with the presidents of the European Council and Commission during this significant event. This decision marks a deviation from the usual protocol, where the Chinese president attends the summit when held in Brussels, while the premier typically hosts it in Beijing.
The European Union has expressed its desire for President Xi to attend this milestone summit, highlighting the importance of celebrating half a century of bilateral relations. An EU official mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding the scheduling of the EU-China summit for this year and the appropriate level of representation from China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided any additional details about the situation.
Currently, the relationship between China and the EU involves ongoing tensions, particularly regarding trade practices. Both entities have exchanged criticisms over issues related to overcapacity, illegal subsidies, and dumping allegations within their respective markets. Recently, the European Union implemented substantial tariffs on electric vehicles from China following an anti-subsidy investigation, exacerbating the tension. In response, China imposed increased market entry barriers on various EU products, including brandy.
In summary, President Xi Jinping’s refusal to attend the 50th anniversary summit underscores the complexities and tensions present in EU-China relations. With trade disputes continuing to shape interactions, the absence of President Xi may hinder opportunities for meaningful dialogue during this commemorative event. As negotiations continue regarding summit participation, the dynamics of this critical international relationship remain under scrutiny.
Original Source: al24news.com
