EU leaders press Xi Jinping to influence Russia as relations reach “inflection point”

At a summit in Beijing marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, EU leaders urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence to help end Russia’s war on Ukraine, as both sides acknowledged their relationship is at a critical juncture.

European Union leaders called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Russia into ending its war on Ukraine, as both parties acknowledged that relations between Brussels and Beijing have reached an “inflection point.” The remarks came at the start of a summit in Beijing commemorating 50 years of EU-China diplomatic relations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa traveled to Beijing for talks with Xi, after the Chinese leader declined an invitation to visit Brussels for the occasion.

“The EU and China have reached an inflection point” in their relations, von der Leyen told Xi in her opening remarks, noting that while cooperation has deepened, so have the imbalances. “It is vital for China and Europe to acknowledge our respective concerns and come forward with real solutions,” she added.

Costa also spoke of the imbalance in economic relations, stating, “we need concrete progress on issues related to trade and economy. And we both want our relationship to be balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.” He urged China to play a constructive role regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying, “As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, we call on China to use its influence on Russia to respect the U.N. Charter and to bring an end to its war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The summit follows the EU’s decision to sanction two Chinese banks over their connections to Russia, a move that drew “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” from Beijing.

In his remarks, President Xi agreed that EU-China relations are at a “critical juncture,” describing the EU and China as “two big guys” on the world stage who must “make correct strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people and stand the test of history.” Xi added, “China and Europe should enhance communication, strengthen mutual trust, and deepen cooperation, providing the world with more stability and certainty.”

The EU presidents are scheduled to hold further talks with Xi and meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

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