EU's von der Leyen hopes to 'advance and rebalance' China ties at summit
Both European leaders will raise issues including the trade imbalance, market access and rare earths during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Shortly before the summit, von der Leyen struck a more conciliatory tone, writing that it was an opportunity to "both advance and rebalance our relationship" in an X post on Thursday morning.
"I'm convinced there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation," von der Leyen wrote. The weeks leading up to the summit were dominated by tit-for-tat trade disputes and hawkish rhetoric from European officials.
State news agency Xinhua also appeared to downplay Beijing's rivalry with the 27-member bloc in a morning commentary, saying China is a "critical partner" to Europe with a range of shared interests.
"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, 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.
The EU defines China as a "partner, competitor and systemic rival", which frames its strategic approach to China policy.
Other issues, including electric vehicles and Chinese industrial overcapacity, will also be raised by European leaders at the summit marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and China.
Expectations for the summit are low after weeks of escalating tensions 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.
The EU is likely to seal a trade deal with the United States that would result in a broad 15% tariff on EU exports to the U.S. after intense negotiations, avoiding a harsher 30% levy threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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