The 25th EU-China summit, held in Beijing, exposed ongoing tensions characterising the complex relationship between the European Union and China. While Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to deepen cooperation, Brussels insisted on adjustments to address mounting economic imbalances and geopolitical disagreements.
Originally set for two days in Brussels, the summit was shortened to one day and relocated to Beijing—moves widely viewed as signs of strained ties. Analysts interpret these changes as evidence of entrenched positions impeding effective dialogue.
President Xi described the partnership as mutually advantageous amid global uncertainty, stating: “The more severe and complex the international situation is, the more China and the EU should strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and deepen cooperation.”
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the urgency of rebalancing relations. “We have reached an inflection point. Rebalancing our bilateral relation is essential,” she stated, demanding that both sides acknowledge concerns and pursue concrete solutions.
Trade remains a core source of friction. The EU, China’s second-largest trading partner, faces a substantial and rising trade deficit, which reached nearly $143 billion in China’s favour in the first half of 2025, up 21% from the previous year.
Brussels has criticised Beijing’s export-driven policies and market distortions, leading to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and Chinese retaliatory anti-dumping probes into European goods such as brandy, dairy, and pork.
Geopolitical disputes and market access barriers further complicate relations. Von der Leyen accused China of “enabling Russia’s war economy,” heightening mistrust. China’s recent restrictions on government procurement of European medical devices followed Brussels’ exclusion of Chinese firms from public tenders.
Additionally, China’s prior curbs on rare-earth mineral exports, which are crucial for European car manufacturing, caused production disruptions, though some easing measures have since been introduced. Eurasia Group noted the “weaponisation of rare earth elements left a deep mark on Europe,” prompting Brussels to consider “de-risking” its economic dependence on China.
Marking 50 years of formal relations, the EU-China partnership faces a pivotal moment. The summit’s reduced agenda and relocation show persistent strategic and economic divides.