China and the European Union should deepen political trust, sustain ongoing dialogue, and broaden cooperative efforts. This was the takeaway from the meeting in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The discussion highlighted a shared desire to align interests, reduce frictions, and chart a path of constructive engagement between the two major global players. The leaders underscored the importance of a steady, principled partnership that can adapt to new challenges while supporting economic and people-centered outcomes for both sides.
During the exchange, the Chinese side stressed that a robust China-EU partnership should deliver tangible benefits for citizens on both continents. The emphasis was on building confidence through reliable diplomacy, forging strategic consensus on priorities, and clearing away barriers that might hinder collaboration. Participants talked about expanding dialogue across security, trade, technology, and cultural exchanges, with a focus on practical steps that improve daily life for Europeans and Chinese alike. The aim is to move beyond episodic cooperation toward a steady cadence of coordination that stands up to external tests and reflects mutual respect and shared responsibility.
In parallel, reports from TASS citing a senior EU official noted that the European Union expects Beijing to use its influence with Russia to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The potential role of China in shaping outcomes here was framed as part of a broader, responsible engagement on regional stability and global risk reduction. The EU’s stance suggests a preference for dialogue-led approaches, emphasizing the need for meaningful channels that can contribute to de-escalation, humanitarian considerations, and a durable settlement that respects international norms.
Additionally, the European Union is seeking opportunities for China to engage with Ukraine and to participate in meetings aligned withUkraine’s peace framework. This framework, which envisions inclusive discussions and verified steps toward a lasting ceasefire, reflects a shared interest in reducing human suffering and restoring stability to the region. The EU views China’s involvement as potentially contributing to confidence-building measures, clarity in commitments, and a transparent process that all sides can trust as they work toward a sustainable political solution.
Earlier, a former U.S. Secretary of State characterized Russia and China as presenting the most significant challenges to international order today. This assessment underscores a broad consensus in many capitals about the importance of a cohesive, rules-based approach to global affairs. The remark also implicitly supports ongoing dialogue and collaboration among major powers, emphasizing that peaceful competition, aligned interests, and clear communication are essential for maintaining global stability in a complex, interconnected world.