China a critical partner to Europe, Xinhua says hours before leaders meet

BEIJING: China is a "critical partner" to Europe with a range of shared interests, state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary piece, downplaying Beijing's rivalry with the European Union bloc hours before a key summit between leaders of both sides on Thursday.

AI Brief

China wants the EU to focus on shared interests like trade and climate instead of viewing it as a rival.
The summit marks 50 years of EU-China relations but tensions are high over trade and market access.
China emphasises trust and cooperation despite growing friction and reduced summit expectations.

"As the international landscape grows increasingly fraught, the anniversary offers a timely reminder: China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival," Xinhua wrote, underscoring the conciliatory tone China appeared to be willing to take during the summit if the EU corresponded.

Xinhua said the distinction between partner and rival mattered, pointing out common interests including trade, climate, and global governance.

"These areas of common ground should not be eclipsed by isolated points of friction," it said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are in Beijing for high-level meetings with China's President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

The summit, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, will be dominated by trade tensions over electric vehicles, market access and Chinese industrial overcapacity.

Expectations for the summit are low after weeks of escalating tensions over tit-for-tat trade disputes, hawkish rhetoric from EU leaders and wrangling over the format of the summit, which was abruptly shortened from two days to one at Beijing's request.

"Like all major economic players, China and the EU do not agree on everything. But disagreement does not equal confrontation," Xinhua said, adding that the relationship needs more trust.