Xi Jinping Declines Invitation to EU-China Anniversary Summit
China’s Xi Jinping declined an invitation to the EU-China anniversary summit, with Premier Li Qiang attending instead. The decision highlights escalating tensions related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and previous EU sanctions on Chinese goods. Discussions are ongoing regarding the summit’s scheduling and representation levels.
Recent reports indicate that Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend the upcoming EU-China anniversary summit, as noted by the Financial Times. Instead, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to meet with the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, representing China in the discussions.
Traditionally, when the summit occurs in Brussels, the Chinese Premier attends, whereas the President of the European Council typically hosts when it is held in Beijing. The European Union had expressed a desire for Xi to participate to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.
Tensions between Brussels and Beijing have escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the European Union accusing China of providing support to Russia. Moreover, the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports last year, further straining relations.
An EU official mentioned that “informal discussions are ongoing, both about setting the date for the EU-China summit this year and the level of representation.” In contrast, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has not provided additional information regarding Xi’s absence from the summit. Requests for comments from the European Union by Reuters went unanswered.
In conclusion, President Xi Jinping’s refusal to attend the EU-China anniversary summit signifies ongoing tensions between the EU and China. With rising diplomatic strains and previous economic sanctions, the relationship continues to be challenging. Premier Li Qiang’s participation suggests China seeks to maintain dialogue, albeit at a diminished level of representation compared to previous years.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
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