JUST IN: Chinese President Xi Jinping declines European Union’s invitation to celebrate 50 years of China-EU relations.

​Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined the European Union’s invitation to attend a summit in Brussels commemorating the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the event. ​www.multilinks.biz

Traditionally, the Chinese premier attends summits held in Brussels, while the president hosts those in Beijing. However, given the significance of the 50-year milestone, the EU had hoped for President Xi’s attendance. ​www.multilinks.biz

Tensions between the EU and China have escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing China of supporting the Kremlin. Additionally, in 2024, the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, to which China responded by raising barriers for certain European products. ​

Both sides are currently engaged in informal discussions regarding the summit’s date and the level of representation. ​

Xi Jinping declines EU invitation to anniversary summit.

www.multilinks.biz