Von Der Leyen Tells Xi EU-China Ties at ‘Inflection Point’

In a virtual summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed to Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the European Union's relationship with China has reached a critical juncture. The meeting took place amidst tensions between the EU and China, which extend across various domains, including trade and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for the EU and China to find a constructive path forward, highlighting the importance of open communication and collaboration on global challenges. The summit occurred against a backdrop of complex and sometimes contentious dynamics between the two parties, as they navigate their evolving geopolitical and economic relationship. The discussion aimed to address the state of EU-China ties and explore opportunities for cooperation, while also acknowledging the areas of divergence and potential conflicts of interest. The outcome of the summit will likely have significant implications for the future direction of the EU's engagement with China.