Politics China promotes better relations with the EU ahead of summit
Shortly before the summit between China and the EU, Beijing is focusing on mild tones and a good atmosphere with Brussels. China and Europe have no fundamental conflicts of interest, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels on Wednesday, according to Chinese sources. In view of the increasing instability of the international situation, Beijing and Brussels should intensify their exchange and promote their cooperation.
03.07.2025, 06:52
SDA
Points of contention in trade and diplomacy
Wang's visit to Europe, which will also take him to Germany, comes shortly before the EU-China summit in Beijing at the end of the month. At the same time, however, EU tariffs on electric cars manufactured in China are putting a strain on relations. Added to this are China's export controls on rare earths and China's stance on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
In mid-June, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Canada, that China was using its "quasi-monopoly" on rare earths as a means of exerting pressure and was also using it as a weapon to weaken competitors in key industries. She also spoke of a "new China shock", as the Chinese economy is slowing down and the People's Republic is flooding the global markets with "subsidized overcapacity".
EU demands action from China
Wang emphasized in Brussels that China is currently perceived as the world's best country in terms of peace and security.
According to information from Brussels, Kallas called on China to end competition-distorting practices, including export restrictions on rare earths. The Estonian also emphasized the importance of finding solutions to level the playing field and improve market access. With regard to the war in Ukraine, she called on China to immediately cease all material support for Russia's arms industry.
