EU-China Summit: Defending EU interests and values in a complex and vital partnership
Yesterday, 22 June, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Charles Michel and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell joined the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang via video conference for the 22nd EU-China Summit. Presidents von der Leyen and Michel issued a joint press release at the end of the summit, which is available online and covers the comprehensive range of issues addressed by the leaders during their discussions. The Summit focussed on three broad areas: EU-China bilateral relations, including the economy and trade, climate action, sustainable development and digitalisation, human rights, Hong Kong, and security and defence; mutual solidarity in response to the coronavirus pandemic and joint efforts in the socio-economic recovery; and international and regional issues. The summit was followed by a press conference, at which President von der Leyen said: “It is time to accelerate on the very crucial areas of our relationship, to deliver on the important commitments from last Summit and address our concerns on reciprocity and the level playing field. As the European Union, we are committed to making swift and substantial progress. We count on the Chinese leadership to match our level of ambition.”Read the full remarks of President von der Leyen at the press conference online. In parallel to yesterday’s summit, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson participated in the 9th EU-China Energy Dialogue, which focussed on clean energy policies in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and economic recovery. More information on the Energy Dialogue is available online. For more information on EU-China relations, consult the dedicated factsheet and the website of the EU Delegation in Beijing.
