Xi Jinping Urges EU to “Make Correct Strategic Choices” at Beijing Summit

China Daily via REUTERS

A Summit Overshadowed by Tension

At the two-day summit in Beijing on July 24, 2025, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a pointed message to EU leaders. The meeting marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Beijing and the European Union. However, due to mounting friction, the summit was cut to just one day.

Moreover, Xi criticized recent EU trade measures—such as high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and rare earth export controls—warning this hardening stance risks isolation and disrupts mutually beneficial trade.

“Make the Right Strategic Choices”

First, Xi emphasized that the current challenges faced by Europe do not stem from China. Instead, he urged the EU to keep markets open and refrain from restrictive economic policies.

Furthermore, he called on both sides to “properly handle differences and frictions” with open cooperation and constructive dialogue. That includes deepening communication, mutual trust, and strategic coordination.

Also, Xi framed both China and the EU as “big guys” in global governance and urged them to shape sustainable relations for the next 50 years.

EU Pushes Back, but Looks for Balance

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the relationship as having reached an “inflection point.” Trade imbalances—especially the ballooning €305.8 billion deficit—demanded concrete solutions.

Moreover, she reiterated the EU’s desire to rebalance ties without decoupling, advocating fair competition, improved market access, and lowered export barriers on rare earths.

European Council President António Costa reinforced this tone, urging Xi to use China’s influence to seek peace in Ukraine. He stressed that mutual respect and practical outcomes are key to restoring trust.

Shared Climate Commitment Amid Disagreement

Then, both sides found common ground on climate issues. They issued a joint statement affirming support for the Paris Agreement and preparations for COP30.
Nevertheless, economic disputes and geopolitical friction overshadowed any broader agreement, making progress limited.

Why This Matters Now

First, the summit comes at a pivotal juncture in international relations. Xi described global changes “not seen in a century” as creating new pressure points and strategic risks.

Secondly, the EU defines China as a complex mix of partner, competitor, and systemic rival. This summit reflects deepening EU skepticism amid closer alignment with U.S. policy.

Also, trade disputes over electric vehicles, rare earths, and overcapacity underline widening divergence in industrial policy and economic models.

Xi’s Strategic Playbook

Moreover, Xi underscored that China does not seek ideological confrontation or hegemony. Instead, he urged EU support for China’s path and core interests, free from the influence of third-party powers.

He also criticized EU protectionist moves, warning that decoupling and trade restrictions fragment global value chains instead of bolstering competitiveness.

Furthermore, Xi invited deepening cooperation in green energy, digital innovation, and multilateral fora such as the UN and G20. Those areas offer an opportunity for a reinvigorated partnership.

What Lies Ahead

Meanwhile, analysts expect continued tension over China’s role in Ukraine, export policy, and rare earths control—but climate and energy cooperation may offer limited wins.
However, any trade deal with the U.S., with lowered EU tariffs on U.S. goods, could challenge China’s leverage in global markets.

Also, discussions of regulatory mechanisms and transparency tools signal the EU’s move toward rules-based restrictions if cooperation stalls.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, Xi’s call for the EU to “make correct strategic choices” underscores rising stakes in Sino-European ties. It points to a future where Europe must choose between cooperation, competition, or confrontation.
While both sides reaffirm shared interest in stability, the summit revealed widening doubt about whether cooperation alone can overcome systemic friction.
Consequently, the direction the EU chooses—in trade, diplomacy, and alignment—may define its role in reshaping global order.