China continues to interact with Russia and its war, and this will be a determining factor for EU-China relations, Von der Leyen stated while speaking about relations with China at a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
In her opinion China’s supposedly unlimited support for Russia generates greater instability and undermines security in Europe. “We cannot agree with this,” she emphasized.
In addition to limiting cooperation with Russia, Von der Leyen demanded that China open its market to goods and services from European manufacturers and limit state support for Chinese industry.
According to the European Commission, this should lead to an overall decline in Chinese exports and a correction in the EU-China trade balance, with the EU’s trade deficit amounting to €304 billion in 2024, out of a total trade volume of €730 billion.
Von der Leyen did not announce any reciprocal concessions from the EU to China.
The EU-China summit, at which both sides will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will be held in Beijing on July 24.
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