The 24th EU-China Summit: Key Takeaways
Image source: CGTN.
The 24th EU-China Summit, held last week on December 7, 2023, in Beijing, aimed to strengthen constructive and stable relations between the two entities. The summit was held in Beijing and marked a significant milestone as the first in-person meeting since 2019. President Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, led the EU delegation, engaging with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in discussions spanning pivotal areas of mutual interest and global concern.
The main topics of discussion revolved around balanced trade ties, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, climate responsibilities, stability in the Middle East, and lastly, a dialogue about human rights was achieved.
Central to the discussions was the imperative need to recalibrate the EU-China economic landscape. With a staggering trade deficit nearing €400 billion, the EU emphasized the essence of a more balanced economic rapport, urging China to level the playing field and ensure reciprocal market access for EU investors and exporters. Strengthening resilience while complying with World Trade Organization regulations emerged as a shared objective.
The summit witnessed a unified stance against the indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel. The EU vehemently condemned these acts while reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself in alignment with international humanitarian law. Both the EU and China underscored the critical priority of delivering life-saving aid to the vulnerable populations affected by the conflict, with the EU quadrupling its humanitarian aid to over €100 million.
Amid discussions on shared interests like climate change and health, the EU lauded China's strides in renewable energy expansion and its commitment to addressing methane emissions. Encouraging China to triple its renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency by 2030, and join the global methane pledge reflected the EU's push for concerted climate action. Additionally, both entities are collaborating on global health improvements, focusing on an international pandemic treaty.
The summit concluded with a unified commitment to uphold international norms, promote dialogue, and foster a relationship founded on mutual respect and accountability, recognizing the pivotal role both the EU and China play as global players in shaping a stable and equitable world order.
Author: European Council
Editor: Ditte van Dalen