EU Leaders Urge China Partnership to End Russia-Ukraine War, Stabilize Trade Amid Global Uncertainty

European Council President António Costa and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit to discuss bilateral EU-China relations, global issues, and notably the ongoing war in Ukraine. Costa emphasized the EU's expectation that China would assist in ending Russia's aggression, highlighting the war as an existential threat to EU security, while also expressing concern over China's export controls on critical raw materials and calling for restored reliable supply chains. In response, China asserted its role in promoting a ceasefire and political settlement. Both leaders acknowledged challenges in their trade relationship, with Li urging the EU to provide a fair business environment for Chinese enterprises and stressing the importance of steering relations positively. They also agreed on the necessity of cooperation on climate change, with Costa referencing the upcoming COP30 as a platform for joint leadership. Meanwhile, China's ambassador to France advocated for Europe to become a truly independent political power to contribute to global stability in a multipolar world, with France playing a leading role.