Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held high-level talks with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing, as the 25th China-EU Summit convened amid rising global challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
During the meeting, President Xi emphasized the strategic importance of China-EU relations, describing both sides as “big guys” in the international community with shared responsibility to promote global stability and development.
“China and the EU, as two major forces in the world, should work together to keep our bilateral relationship growing in the right direction,” Xi said. He underscored the importance of mutual respect, open dialogue, and pragmatic cooperation in addressing complex global issues, including climate change, economic recovery, and peacebuilding.
The summit, held at a time of growing economic interdependence and occasional political divergence between the two powers, focused on trade, global security, green transition, and digital governance. Xi called for both parties to manage differences through constructive engagement and to oppose decoupling or confrontation.
President Costa and President von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s interest in deepening dialogue with China on trade, investment, and multilateral cooperation, while also stressing the need for a level playing field and adherence to international rules.
The 25th China-EU Summit marks a continued effort by both sides to navigate complex global realities while reinforcing their strategic partnership through open communication and shared interests.
Written By Rodney Mbua
