Strengthening EU-China Relations: A Vision for the Next 50 Years

During a high-level meeting with President Xi Jinping, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reflected on 50 years of EU-China diplomatic relations, noting significant economic and political developments on both sides. She highlighted China’s rise as a global manufacturing and tech power and the EU’s integration into a 450-million-person Single Market. Acknowledging China as the EU’s largest trading partner, von der Leyen called for efforts to address trade imbalances and emphasized shared commitments to climate action, particularly under the Paris Agreement, as a foundation for future cooperation.

China’s Foreign Ministry echoed this spirit, emphasizing mutual respect, openness, and cooperation as guiding principles for the next phase of relations. The ministry called on both sides to demonstrate strategic leadership in a turbulent global landscape and work together to provide stability and certainty. It framed EU-China relations as vital to promoting multilateralism and managing global challenges.

Notably, the issue of China’s support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine was not directly and publicly addressed during the summit.

Strengthening Climate Cooperation: EU-China Joint Commitment on the Paris Agreement's 10th Anniversary

At the EU-China Summit in Beijing, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, both parties reaffirmed their dedication to addressing climate change amid global instability. They emphasized the importance of the Paris Agreement and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Recognizing the strategic importance of their green partnership, the EU and China agreed to work together to lead a just global transition aligned with sustainable development and poverty eradication goals.

Key commitments include:

• Upholding and fully implementing the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC framework.

• Converting climate targets into concrete actions and outcomes.

• Supporting Brazil in hosting a successful COP30 with equitable and ambitious results.

• Promoting global renewable energy deployment and equitable access to green technologies.

• Enhancing climate adaptation efforts across all levels.

• Submitting comprehensive 2035 climate goals (NDCs) before COP30.

• Expanding bilateral cooperation in key areas like energy transition, carbon markets, and low-carbon technologies.