‘At the turning point’ are the relationships are EU – Chinaaccording to the president of the Commission, Ursula von der Laien. The President of the Commission called for a substantial balancing of trade relations. These statements were made today (24.7.2025) during the 25th EU -China Summit in Beijing.
She said the EU faces a historic trade deficit with China, which amounted to € 305.8 billion in 2024. The meeting, which was limited to just one day at the request of Beijing, was held in a tense climate.
China President Xi Jinping called on the EU to make the “right strategic choices”, urging to boost trust and cooperation.
A few weeks ago, von der Laien had accused China of overproduction and support for the Russian war economy. Despite the disagreements, the two sides seek a common climate statement, one of the few areas where there is positive cooperation.
China insists that it remains Europe’s “critical partner”, not a “systemic opponent”.
At the same time, the EU is expected to reach a trade agreement with the US for 15% duties in its exports, avoiding the threatened duty of 30% by President Trump.