Xi Meets EU Leaders as Europe Struggles to Define Its China Policy

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, underscoring the growing complexities in EU-China relations as Europe reassesses its foreign policy in light of shifting U.S. positions.

Europe’s China strategy, once closely aligned with Washington’s, has entered uncharted waters. Long focused on trade, Brussels has more recently labeled Beijing a «systemic rival,» introducing investment screening and export controls. Yet the EU has avoided full «decoupling,» preferring a «de-risking» approach.

The challenge now lies in charting a course without clear U.S. guidance. Former President Donald Trump has signaled unpredictability on both China and Europe, leaving EU leaders uncertain whether to prioritize trade protection, embrace Chinese green technology, or counter Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Two issues dominate Europe’s dilemma: the rise of illiberal forces at home that find inspiration in China’s authoritarian success, and Beijing’s deepening partnership with Moscow amid the war in Ukraine. Despite claims of neutrality, China’s «no-limits» friendship with Russia has reinforced skepticism in Brussels.

For Beijing, Europe remains secondary to its competition with Washington. For Europe, however, the stakes are existential: balancing economic needs, democratic resilience, and security against both Russia and China.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that during the visit of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the United States, a package of agreements was signed with major American companies, the presidential press service reported.