There was a lot at stake, but no expectations. A few reproaches and scripted speeches from the first year of international diplomacy have been laid out on the table, but all insubstantialwithout relevant weight in the storms that fall on the geopolitical board.
After four years, the leaders of the European Union have once again held a face-to-face summit with Xi Jinping. Brussels had a significant list of complaintsabove all economic to stand in front of its main trading partner, and the occasional slap on the wrist regarding ongoing conflicts.
But Beijingalthough he puts on a good face, it has been a long time since looks at the block with some apathycriticizing their double standards and American influence on their policies.
The Chinese president played at home this Thursday. The visiting line-up was led by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyenthe president of the European Council, Charles Micheland the EU foreign policy chief, Joseph Borrellwho had described the last summit, held last year by videoconference, as a “dialogue of the deaf.”
Kicking off the meeting on Thursday morning (Beijing time), Xi said the EU should work with China to “provide global stability, enhance political mutual trust and eliminate all types of interference” in the bilateral relationship. The Chinese leader reiterated that both sides must “jointly respond” to global challenges.