Intensifying EU-China rejuvenation signs visible as Xi Jinping sets foot in Moscow for Victory Day observance

New and Improved

China-EU Relations: Dancing on the Tightrope of Diplomacy

Jorge Liboreiro | Twitter | LinkedIn

March 29, 2025

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Brussels and Beijing inching closer under the Trump effect

As the disruptive politics of former President Trump continue to shake the global landscape, Europe and China seem to be exploring a new chapter in their diplomatic saga. Despite China's deepened alliance with Russia, a move traditionally considered a deal-breaker for the EU, Brussels and Beijing appear eager to shake hands and tackle common global challenges together.

On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, exchanged warm messages with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qian, celebrating the 50-year milestone in EU-China relations.

In their statements, von der Leyen and Costa emphasized the need to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest, advocating for a balanced relationship built on fairness and reciprocity. The anniversary, they noted, takes place at a critical juncture of global uncertainty and geopolitical changes - a signal that Brussels remains committed to their partnership with China.

Xi's office released a more detailed and optimistic readout, praising the opportunity to "open up a brighter future for China-EU relations." The Chinese readout highlighted the shared benefits that a sound and stable China-EU relationship would bring to both sides, as well as the world at large.

A turn of the wheel

Von der Leyen's stance on China has undergone considerable transformation since her first presidential term. Previously, she advocated for the "de-risking" approach, aimed at eliminating dangerous dependencies on China and harshly criticizing Beijing's relations with Russia. However, the new administration of Joe Biden has altered the geopolitical equation, compelling the EU to reassess its relations with rivals and allies alike.

Trump's protectionist trade policies have encouraged the EU to reconsider its approach to China - the world's second-largest economy. The recent exchanges between EU and Chinese leaders have fuelled speculation of a pending diplomatic reset, an impression further bolstered by the celebratory anniversary messages.

Awkward timing

On the other hand, the anniversary exchange comes at a highly sensitive time. On Wednesday, Xi Jinping set off for a four-day state visit to Moscow, including the military parade hosted by Vladimir Putin for Victory Day on May 9. Brussels has dismissed the event as propaganda, and questions linger about von der Leyen's willingness to brush aside Beijing's close ties with Moscow for the sake of commercial opportunities.

Paula Pinho, the Commission's chief spokesperson, acknowledged the partnership between Xi and Putin as a "less constructive element," yet reassured that the EU could still work constructively with China on global issues like climate change and trade disputes. Pinho added that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has a responsibility to condemn blatant breaches of the UN Charter, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Beijing simply refers to as a "crisis."

Rekindling ties

The intricate dance of EU-China relations continues to unfold, with both parties treading carefully amid external pressures, trade tensions, and competing geopolitical interests. Ahead of the critical EU-China summit planned for mid-July, both sides are showing signs of goodwill - Brussels has agreed to reinitiate negotiations on electric vehicles, while Beijing has lifted retaliatory sanctions on five members of the European Parliament.

Despite the optimistic overtures, a multitude of contentious issues persist, including protectionist regulations, surveillance of private citizens and companies, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, aggressive behavior in the Taiwan Strait, repression of the Uyghur minority, human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. Only time will tell if the renewed engagement between the two titans can navigate these challenges effectively, giving birth to a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership.

For more insights:

China Lifts Sanctions Imposed on Five Lawmakers in 2021, EU Parliament says
EU Won't Decouple from China as Condition for Reaching Trade Deal with Trump
As Trump Brings EU and China Closer, Reality Keeps Pulling Them Apart

Sources:

"EU leaders exchange congratulations with Chinese leadership on EU-China anniversary," EurActiv
"Xi Jinping to travel to Russia, heralding closer Beijing-Moscow ties," Reuters
"Trump's Protectionist Trade Policies: The EU-China Dilemma," The Conversation
"EU-China relations: A Way Forward Amid Trade Tensions," Carnegie Europe
"Geopolitical Shifts: How the EU Navigates a New Global Order," EUobserver
The warming diplomatic relationship between Brussels and Beijing, influenced by former President Trump's politics, has led to the exploration of new opportunities for cooperation, as highlighted by President Ursula von der Leyen's shift in stance towards China.
LinkedIn posts and general news outlets have linked the celebration of the 50-year EU-China relationship milestone to a potential diplomatic relaunch, yet challenges persist due to China's growing ties with Russia, such as the ongoing state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow.
Though the EU maintains that it can cooperate with China on global challenges like climate change and trade disputes despite Beijing's close ties with Russia, diplomatic limits might be reached when addressing contentious issues such as protectionist regulations, surveillance of private citizens and companies, and human rights abuses in China.