EU-China summit: many disagreements remain between Beijing and Brussels

Text by: RFI Follow

Pandemic forces, the 22nd EU-China summit was held by videoconference this Monday, June 22 between Commission and European Council leaders on the one hand, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang then President Xi Jinping, on the other . On both sides of the screen, it is said that the hour is looking for a rapprochement, but there are still a number of subjects that are annoying.

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With our correspondent in Brussels, Pierre Benazet

China is for Europe a negotiating partner, an economic competitor and a systemic rival, a triple definition now set in stone, according to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen .

Systemic rivalry intersects with accusations made against China of participating in disinformation on the internet against the European Union and its management of the coronavirus. But it is not the only subject which annoys. Thus, if China recalls that its action in Hong Kong is intended to ensure its security, Europe, it, hovers the threat of very negative consequences in the event of application of the security law imposed by Beijing.

Prime Minister Li Keqiang wanted to stress that the partnership with the European Union was the most important point for Beijing, but on the EU side, it is estimated that the implementation of China's commitments to open its market is too slow.

Negotiations on reciprocal investment protection have dragged on too much and Europeans have also prepared a shield for European companies (especially Chinese) against European companies for competition, public procurement and takeovers. Europeans would also like to see China implement its climate commitments.

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• European Union
• China
• Diplomacy