The EU and China will hold a summit in Beijing on Thursday, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties. However, expectations for concrete deals are low due to trade disagreements (market access, rare earth elements), geopolitical tensions (Russia's war in Ukraine), and human rights concerns. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will represent the EU, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Discussions will cover global affairs, bilateral relations, and the war in Ukraine, a key point of contention given China's close ties with Russia. The EU has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and banks for allegedly aiding Russia's war effort, leading to retaliatory threats from China. Trade issues, including EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and Beijing's control of rare earth minerals, will also be discussed. Human rights violations in Xinjiang remain a significant point of friction. The summit comes as both the EU and China navigate US tariff policies.

Impact Statement: The summit's outcome will significantly influence the future trajectory of EU-China relations, impacting trade, geopolitical stability, and human rights considerations.