First in-person EU-China summit since 2023 overshadowed by Ukraine war, trade disputes, and regional power plays

BEIJING, July 24 — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with top European Union leaders this week in the first in-person summit since 2023, as strained relations over trade, Ukraine, and regional security dominate the agenda. Despite diplomatic gestures, tensions remain high between the two economic powerhouses.

While U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted “good progress” in U.S.-EU trade negotiations, he criticized the EU for lacking a bold, Japan-style economic package. Meanwhile, EU leaders continue to press China on its position regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing trade imbalances.

The summit also comes at a time of heightened regional anxiety, as China increases military and dual-use infrastructure along its border with India. Experts view the moves as part of Beijing’s broader ambition to assert dominance across Asia.

Additionally, China recently began construction of what will become the world’s largest hydroelectric dam — a $167 billion megaproject expected to take over a decade to complete. The dam promises clean energy and economic stimulus but has sparked environmental and geopolitical concerns across neighboring countries.