President Xi Jinping Declines Invitation to EU-China Anniversary Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined to attend a summit in Brussels for the 50th anniversary of EU-China relations, opting instead for Premier Li Qiang to represent China. This decision occurs amidst rising tensions related to geopolitical issues and recent trade disputes between the two entities. Ongoing discussions aim to finalize summit details and levels of representation, highlighting the precarious state of bilateral relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to the upcoming summit in Brussels, which is set to celebrate 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 the European Commission. This decision emerges amidst increased tensions between the EU and China, particularly since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Attendance by the Chinese president is customary when the summit occurs in Beijing, whereas the Chinese premier generally attends in Brussels. Nevertheless, the EU has expressed a strong desire for President Xi to participate in commemorating the significant milestone of bilateral relations. This reluctance to attend has raised concerns, particularly due to the escalating tensions since 2022, where the EU accused China of supporting Moscow’s actions.
Additionally, bilateral relations have seen further strain following the EU’s imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, which added to existing economic disputes. Efforts from both sides are reportedly ongoing regarding the scheduling and representation at the upcoming summit, though no formal resolutions have been reached yet. Importantly, trade disputes have intensified in 2024, highlighting concerns over market practices and tariffs.
In summary, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s refusal to attend the EU-China summit indicates rising tensions between the EU and Beijing, particularly in light of geopolitical conflicts and trade disputes. Premier Li Qiang’s attendance reflects a shift in diplomatic engagement, underscoring the ongoing complexities in EU-China relations. As both parties navigate this challenging landscape, future discussions regarding the summit date and leadership representation remain critical for bilateral cooperation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
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