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Handshakes and smiles at EU-China meetings belie stark differences on trade, Ukraine war
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Chinese President Xi Jinping shaking hands with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on July 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- EU-China relations marked 50 years amidst disagreement, with China treating talks as government-level while the EU sought head-of-state discussions.
- The EU voiced concerns over its €304 billion trade deficit with China and restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, receiving few substantial responses.
- Despite EU pleas, China showed no compromise on alleged support for Russia's war in Ukraine, focusing instead on criticising EU sanctions against Russia.
AI generated
BRUSSELS – The European Union and China marked the anniversary of half a century of diplomatic relations with pomp and circumstance.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa flew to Beijing for a July 24 bilateral summit.
