Upcoming: The 24th EU-China Summit
As the global landscape continues to evolve, the upcoming 24th EU-China summit, scheduled for December 7-8, 2023, in Beijing, stands as a pivotal event. This gathering marks the first in-person summit between the European Union and China since 2019, setting the stage for crucial dialogues and engagements at the highest levels.
Source: Xinhua News Agency | Getty Image
The summit will witness the convergence of influential leaders: President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, alongside High Representative Josep Borrell, representing the EU. They will engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang across two distinct sessions. These interactions aim to foster constructive and stable relations between the EU and China, charting pathways toward mutual understanding and collaboration.
Central to the discussions will be the assessment of the current state of EU-China relations, coupled with deliberations on pressing global issues. Foremost among these is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the intricate dynamics shaping the Middle East. These deliberations underline the shared commitment to addressing critical geopolitical challenges and fostering peace and stability on a global scale.
Economic cooperation
A focal point of the summit rests on recalibrating the economic and trade relationship between the EU and China. Both parties aim to cultivate a more balanced and reciprocal trade environment, striving for fairness and equity in their economic interactions. Additionally, the agenda extends to exploring mutual interests in pivotal domains such as climate change, food security, global health, and pandemic preparedness. These areas of convergence offer opportunities for joint initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at global welfare.
Integral to the EU's stance is the advocacy for a multilateral rules-based international order. The EU will emphasize the significance of adhering to established norms and frameworks that promote stability, security, and cooperation among nations. Additionally, the EU will underscore its commitment to de-risking and fortifying economic security, aligning with its strategic imperatives.
The significance of this summit extends beyond bilateral relations, carrying implications for global geopolitics and the trajectory of international collaborations. It serves as a testament to the value of dialogue and diplomacy in navigating complex global challenges, fostering partnerships grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.
The EU-China summit will present an opportunity for leaders to chart a course that promotes stability, fairness, and collaboration in an ever-evolving world. As the dialogue unfolds, the world watches with anticipation, hopeful for constructive outcomes that foster a more interconnected, harmonious global community, including for the Benelux region and China.
Author: Ditte van Dalen
Editor: Jonathan Xu