BEIJING : A high-level summit between China and the European Union (EU) began Thursday in Beijing, as leaders from both sides meet to address rising tensions over trade, geopolitics, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, despite earlier reports he had declined a Brussels visit where the summit was initially planned.

While both sides spoke of hopes for rebalancing ties, expectations remain low due to strained relations. EU-China trust has eroded over issues including Beijing’s stance on Russia, EU sanctions on Chinese banks, and tit-for-tat trade measures.

Recent EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles were met with Chinese duties on European liquor and restrictions on EU medical equipment. China’s control over rare earth exports and Europe’s growing trade deficit—€305.8 billion in 2023—have also heightened friction.

With Xi’s absence from Brussels earlier and his May visit to Moscow, trust has further declined. EU officials describe the summit as a chance for “frank dialogue,” but admit little progress is expected amid deepening strategic mistrust.