President von der Leyen visits China as the EU and China mark 50 years of diplomatic relations

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council António Costa attended the EU-China Summit marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the People's Republic of China. They met with China's President, Xi Jinping, and Premier Li Qiang. Leaders discussed the bilateral relation between the EU and China with an emphasis on trade, as well as global challenges, particularly on climate change.

During her visit, President von der Leyen insisted on the EU's willingness to work with China towards a more balanced trade relationship while highlighting that the current situation has reached an inflexion point. She declared: "As our co-operation has deepened, so have the imbalances. We have reached an inflexion point. Rebalancing our bilateral relation is essential. Because to be sustainable, the relations need to be mutually beneficial. To achieve this, it is vital for China and Europe to acknowledge our respective concerns and come forward with real solutions."

Today, Europe and China are two of the world's largest economic and trading powers and, in terms of total trade, the EU is China's largest trading partner while China is the EU's third. President von der Leyen laid out the way forward in her meeting with President Costa and Premier Li Qiang stating: "Rebalancing is a necessity, and it is also in the interest of a stronger relationship between us. What needs to be done to achieve rebalancing: Increase market access for European companies in China, limit the external impact of overcapacity, reduce export controls are important steps forward. (…) But our preference is always, as we do today, to have dialogue and to find good, negotiated solutions.'"

Three priorities were discussed, as highlighted by the President at the press conference with President Costa following the Summit. On reciprocity, the EU and China agreed to work towards concrete solutions. Regarding the issue of overcapacity in China's economy, President von der Leyen shared that the Chinese leadership showed a willingness to support more the consumption than the production part. Lastly, on export controls on rare earth and permanent magnets from China, the EU acknowledged China's efforts on fast-tracking licences for critical raw materials and both sides agreed on an upgraded supply chain mechanism – a new mechanism allowing immediate check in case of bottlenecks.

The President of the Commission praised the excellent cooperation between the EU and China on climate. The two sides agreed on a joint press statement on the way forward after the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement. They agreed to demonstrate leadership to drive a global just transition in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

In her remarks at the joint press conference, President von der Leyen concluded: "From this Summit I gather that there is a lot that we can do together. Despite our differences – and we have differences – we can find pragmatic solutions. Europe will always defend its interests, as China would. We are ready to enhance bilateral co-operation and build a more balanced and more stable relationship. The next 50 years of EU-China relations will be shaped by the choices we make today.'"

More information

Opening remarks by President von der Leyen with President Costa and Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

Opening remarks by President von der Leyen with President Costa and Premier Li Qiang at the EU-China Summit

Statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa following the EU-China Summit

Joint EU-China press statement on climate

25th EU-China summit - EU press release

Audiovisual coverage

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