Xi Jinping rejects EU invitation to attend the EU-China summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend the EU-China summit in Brussels, which was intended to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the event, meeting with the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.

EU- China Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended EU-China summits in Beijing earlier but declined this year. China established diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the European Union, on 6 May 1975.

This decision aligns with traditional protocol, where the Chinese premier attends summits held in Brussels, while the president hosts them in Beijing. However, given the significance of this year’s milestone, the EU had hoped for Xi’s attendance as a gesture of commitment to strengthening ties.

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The snub has intensified skepticism in Brussels about China’s commitment to meaningful cooperation, despite Xi’s January 2025 pledge to EU leaders to strengthen dialogue. Informal discussions continue regarding summit logistics, but no resolution has been announced

Trade Disputes

The EU imposed anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese EVs in October 2024, prompting Beijing to retaliate with trade barriers on EU goods like brandy.

China also filed a WTO complaint against the EU’s measures.
While Premier Li Qiang’s attendance maintains procedural continuity, Xi’s absence underscores unresolved tensions in a relationship critical to global trade and geopolitics.

Geopolitical Tensions

Last year, the EU imposed significant tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. Informal discussions about the summit’s scheduling and representation level are ongoing.

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