The announcement of the Chinese Ministry of Diplomacy stated that the summit would be co-led by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. The event will take place on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Brussels. The gathering takes place in the context of increasing trade and political tensions between the European Union and China, which accuse each another of violating the principles of fair trade. Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, stressed that the summit was an crucial chance for dialog at the highest level and for open and constructive discussions on issues applicable to both parties.
We want dialogue, real commitment and concrete progress. We strive for a fair, balanced relation that will benefit both parties – he said.
Prior to that, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union intends to search a level playing field with China, demanding Beijing to facilitate access to the Chinese marketplace for European companies and to mitigate restrictions on exports of uncommon earth metals.
Sanctions hit China
Another disputed subject is the war in Ukraine, where the European Union accuses China of quietly supporting Russia, which Beijing powerfully denies. Last week Brussels introduced a fresh package of sanctions against Russia, including Chinese companies, including banks. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce powerfully criticised the European Union's decision to impose sanctions on Chinese entities, identifying it as based on unsubstantiated allegations and informing that its effects may be serious. According to him, Brussels' actions are at odds with the spirit of agreements between China and Europe, which will negatively affect economic, trade and financial cooperation between China and the EU.
Beijing announced that it would not stay indifferent to these restrictions and called on the European Union to immediate cessation of incorrect actions. At the same time, China promises to take The essential steps to defend the interests of their undertakings and financial institutions.
2.2 billion PLN penalties
In addition, both sides had disputes about China's state support for the production of electrical vehicles and wind turbines and issues related to the usage of European individual data by the TikTok app.
The EU imposed a punishment on TikTok of EUR 530 million (equivalent to about PLN 2.2 billion) for violations of the GDPR, including for incorrect transmission of data from Europe to China. The platform has six months to adapt to EU requirements and otherwise data transfer to China may be halted.
