EU-China summit via video conference, 22 June 2020

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Publication Date 2020
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Summary:

The 22nd bilateral summit between the European Union and China was held on 22 June 2020. This meeting was held via videoconference.

Further information:

The European Union highlighted the need for progress on the implementation of the commitments made at the previous EU-China Summit, including advancing negotiations for an EU-China Comprehensive Investment Agreement. The EU also expressed willingness to sign the EU-China Agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs).

Leaders held a discussion on climate change. The EU also stresses the need for fundamental rights and data protection to be respected amidst development of digital technologies. Outstanding issues relating to cyber-security and disinformation were also raised. China was urged to assume greater responsibility in dealing with global challenges through a rules-based international system.

Both sides also discussed regional and other international issues.

Related Links
Commentary and Analysis
ECFR: Policy Brief, 13/05/2020: The meaning of systemic rivalry: Europe and China beyond the pandemic https://www.ecfr.eu/publications/summary/the_meaning_of_systemic_rivalry_europe_and_china_beyond_the_pandemic
Politico, 31/05/2020: As Australia clashes with China, the EU lies low https://www.politico.eu/article/as-australia-clashes-with-china-the-eu-lays-low-pandemic-coronavirus/
Deutsche Welle, 04/06/2020: EU-China summit: What really happened? https://p.dw.com/p/3dGuz
HRW: News, 19/06/2020: EU: Make China Rights Crisis a Summit Priority https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/19/eu-make-china-rights-crisis-summit-priority
Voice of America, 24/06/200: Analysts See Shift in EU’s Approach Toward Dealing With China https://www.voanews.com/europe/analysts-see-shift-eus-approach-toward-dealing-china
Euronews: Views, 24/06/2020: The EU must be prepared to be critical of China. It can start with Hong Kong’s security law https://www.euronews.com/2020/06/24/the-eu-must-be-prepared-to-be-critical-of-china-it-can-start-with-hong-kong-s-security-law
Foreign Policy, 25/06/2020: How Europe Fell Out of Love With China https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/06/25/china-europe-rival-strategic-competitor-huawei/

News
AP News, 03/06/2020: EU, China postpone September summit due to pandemic https://apnews.com/4cf6528b3b52626319c9172d2c926b33
Politico, 03/06/2020: EU-China summit postponed due to coronavirus concerns https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-china-summit-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/
EurActiv, 04/06/2020: China-EU summit in Germany postponed due to coronavirus https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-china/news/china-eu-summit-in-germany-postponed-due-to-coronavirus/
Politico, 09/06/2020: China is not a military threat, EU top diplomat says https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/09/china-is-not-a-military-threat-eu-top-diplomat-says-309257
EurActiv, 18/06/2020: Caught between US and Beijing, EU approaches challenging China summit talks https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-china/news/caught-between-us-and-beijing-eu-approaches-challenging-china-summit-talks/
Politico, 18/06/2020: ‘No fundamental conflict of interest’ between China and EU, says ambassador https://www.politico.eu/article/china-eu-no-conflict-of-interest-ambassador/
The New York Times, 22/06/2020: Betraying Frustration with China, E.U. Leaders Press for Progress on Trade Talks https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/22/world/europe/china-eu-trade-talks.html
Politico, 22/06/2020: EU leaders face tough time getting tough on China https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-charles-michel-ursula-von-der-leyen-face-tough-time-getting-tough-on-china-xi-jinping/
Reuters, 22/06/2020: EU presses China over trade, warns on Hong Kong law https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN23T003
France24, 22/06/2020: EU-China summit opens amid tensions over trade, coronavirus and Hong Kong https://www.france24.com/en/20200622-eu-china-summit-opens-amid-tensions-over-trade-coronavirus-and-hong-kong

Official
General Secretariat of the Council: EU-China summit via video conference, 22 June 2020 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2020/06/22/
European Council: EU-China Summit: Defending EU interests and values in a complex and vital partnership - Press release by President Michel and President von der Leyen (22 June 2020) https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/06/22/eu-china-summit-defending-eu-interests-and-values-in-a-complex-and-vital-partnership/
European Commission: News, 22/06/2020: Von der Leyen following EU-China Summit: We must make progress, one that implies reciprocity and trust https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ac_20_1170
European Council: Remarks by President Charles Michel after the 22nd EU-China summit (22 June 2020) https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/06/22/remarks-by-president-charles-michel-after-the-22nd-eu-china-summit/
European Commission: Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel, following the EU-China Summit videoconference (22 June 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_20_1162

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