EU-China Summit tackles trade imbalance, Ukraine war concerns
The EU-China summit held on December 8, 2023, highlighted two key areas of disagreement: the trade imbalance favouring China and contrasting perspectives on the war in Ukraine.
The leaders also discussed climate change, pollution reduction, and the impact of artificial intelligence on human development.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the importance of addressing the trade imbalance, stating, "China is the EU's largest trading partner, but there are clear imbalances and differences that we need to address." She further highlighted the need for "reducing risks and strengthening the resilience of our economies."
Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged tangible results in various areas but advocated for further expansion and alignment with the strengths of both parties. He emphasised the need for joint efforts to maintain peace and stability, stating, "As major powers in the world, the EU and China have global responsibilities. That is why it is essential to end the Russian aggression against Ukraine and establish a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter."
The summit also touched upon the impact of artificial intelligence, with both leaders acknowledging its potential to shape the future. Xi Jinping emphasised the need for "working together to foster an open, fair, and just environment for the development of artificial intelligence."
Notably, the EU leaders, at their June 30 meeting, recognized the shared interest in maintaining constructive and stable relations with China, despite the differences in political and economic systems. They emphasised the importance of "respect for the rules-based international order," "balanced cooperation," and "reciprocity."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
