Brussels (AFP)

Europeans and Chinese gathered for a videoconference summit on Monday to try to resolve their many differences and prepare for an extraordinary meeting of their leaders, but with no hope of signing an investment protection agreement this year.

"We are waiting for a signal at the highest level of a willingness on the part of China to increase its ambitions, in particular for the protection of investments. Otherwise, we are determined to play another card, that of defending our interests," warned a senior European official on Monday.

Washington warned Europeans before the summit: "The Chinese Communist Party wants to force you to choose" between the United States and China, said US Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo.

The summit started at 10:00 (0800 GMT) between EU representatives, Charles Michel, the President of the Council and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Commission and Prime Minister Li Keqiang. A second meeting is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. (12:30 GMT) with President Xi Jinping.

But no joint declaration is planned and the Chinese "did not offer to hold a joint press conference," said another European official.

"China attaches great importance to this meeting and is ready to work with the EU to achieve positive results," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

"The ambition was announced last year to conclude an agreement on the protection of investments, but we have not made the necessary progress," replied a senior European official.

"We are getting to the heart of the matter, but there is still a long way to go. There would have to be a turning point on the part of China and that is what we expect from this summit," he said.

Everyone expressed their expectations and concerns during preparatory meetings. Mistrust dominates and shows through in the form of veiled warnings.

- Not a battlefield -

Europeans are concerned about Beijing's growing hold on Hong Kong with the questioning of the autonomy of the territory and the attacks on fundamental freedoms.

The EU demanded the release of several human rights defenders on Friday and denounced the disinformation campaigns orchestrated by China on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Europeans are also disappointed by the little progress observed in the implementation by Beijing of its commitments to the climate, in particular the construction of new coal-fired power plants.

China accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. "If China does nothing, it is an excuse for countries that refuse to commit," said a European official. The United States has left the Paris climate agreement.

The Chinese, for their part, are concerned about the new European legislation on foreign investments and the distancing of the EU towards them.

Engaged in a commercial and political conflict with Washington, Beijing seeks support. But the Europeans refuse to let themselves be caught in the game of tensions between the two powers.

"Europe will not be the battleground of the United States and China," said European Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton on Sunday.

Trade in goods between China and the EU was worth 1.5 billion euros a day in 2019, according to Commission data.

"The relationship with China is complex and will continue to be," said European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell. It must be "based on trust, transparency and reciprocity".

Beijing responded with an implicit warning.

"China hopes that the EU will create a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory environment" for investment, said its ambassador to the EU Zang Ming. "The capital is very sensitive and loose. In the event of a change of wind, the capital will vote with its feet," he warned.

"We need to continue negotiations. We need a good agreement and we are not there yet. We will take the necessary time," said the European Commission.

© 2020 AFP