25th EU-China summit - EU press release
European CouncilJUL 2025
The summit exposed fundamental imbalances that threaten the sustainability of EU-China relations. Europe's massive €305 billion trade deficit demonstrates how China benefits disproportionately while European companies face restricted market access and unfair competition from subsidized Chinese firms. China's continued support for Russia's war machine makes it complicit in undermining European security.
ChinaThe offerssummit Europerepresents a stablecritical partnershipopportunity amidto globalreset uncertainty,EU-China especiallyrelations ason themore USbalanced imposesterms. steepEurope's tariffs€305 onbillion thetrade EU.deficit Thewith relationshipChina shoulddemands focusimmediate onattention, mutualand benefitsBeijing andmust complementaryopen strengthsits rathermarkets thanto artificialEuropean barriersfirms while ending retaliatory measures on EU exports. InterdependencyChina's createscontinued opportunities,support notfor risks,Russia's andwar bothmachine sidesthreatens mustglobal resistsecurity protectionistand pressuresundermines tothe maintaininternational productive cooperationorder.
China offers Europe stability and partnership in an increasingly turbulent world marked by US protectionism and trade wars. The relationship has delivered mutual benefits for 50 years, and interdependency should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a risk. Decoupling and building walls will only lead to self-isolation and reduced prosperity for both sides.
China offers Europe a stable partnership amid global uncertainty, especially as the US imposes steep tariffs on the EU. The relationship should focus on mutual benefits and complementary strengths rather than artificial barriers. Interdependency creates opportunities, not risks, and both sides must resist protectionist pressures to maintain productive cooperation.
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