China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, is on a high-profile visit to Europe this week, aiming to strengthen ties with key European partners in what Beijing describes as an increasingly volatile global environment. The visit underscores China’s efforts to deepen its engagement with the European Union as it continues to balance its complex rivalry with the United States.

Wang’s diplomatic tour includes stops in Brussels, Germany, and France, where he is expected to meet with senior EU officials and foreign ministers to conduct strategic dialogues. At the EU headquarters in Brussels, he will hold talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges.

In Germany, Wang is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, marking his first official visit since the country’s newly formed conservative-led government took office. In France, he will engage in discussions with Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who had visited China earlier in March.

According to China’s foreign ministry, Wang’s trip aims to promote peace, stability, and multilateralism. A ministry spokesperson emphasized that amid rising global tensions—marked by protectionism, unilateralism, and political bullying—China and the EU must act as “anchors of stability” and uphold international norms and fair trade.

Ukraine Conflict Likely to Dominate Talks

The ongoing war in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently in Wang’s discussions. While Beijing continues to claim neutrality in the conflict, European governments have voiced concerns over China’s perceived alignment with Russia. Western nations argue that Beijing’s economic and diplomatic support has indirectly bolstered Moscow’s war effort, and they continue to call on China to do more to help end the conflict.

Trade Disputes Cloud Relations

Despite efforts at diplomatic outreach, China-EU relations remain strained over economic issues. A major point of contention is the significant trade imbalance, with the EU facing a $357 billion deficit with China. The situation has been further complicated by mutual accusations of unfair trade practices.

Recently, tensions escalated when the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, citing concerns over state subsidies. China responded by threatening tariffs on European goods, including luxury items like French cognac. Although a provisional agreement on cognac exports has been reached, it awaits final approval from Chinese authorities—partly tied to ongoing EU-China negotiations on automotive trade.

The trade friction has also extended into healthcare procurement. The EU recently banned Chinese firms from public tenders for medical devices valued over five million euros, in response to what it sees as China’s restrictive access to its own market. Beijing has pushed back, accusing the EU of applying “double standards” and discriminating against Chinese companies.

Rare Earth Exports Add to Friction

Another sensitive issue is China’s dominance over rare earth materials, vital for various technologies including electric vehicle batteries. Since April, China has required export licences for these materials, which account for the vast majority of global refined output. This move has raised concerns among European industries about supply reliability and transparency.

To ease tensions, Beijing has proposed a “green channel” for rare earth exports to the EU, but the proposal is still under discussion. How this issue is resolved could significantly impact China’s standing with European policymakers and industrial sectors.

Looking Ahead

Wang Yi’s visit comes at a time when both China and Europe face immense external pressures—from shifting geopolitical alliances to economic instability. While Beijing seeks to present itself as a stabilizing force and a partner for multilateral cooperation, lingering distrust, especially over trade and Russia’s war in Ukraine, continues to complicate the relationship.

Wang’s meetings across Europe will serve as a test of whether China can effectively reposition itself in the eyes of European leaders—not just as a trading partner, but as a credible and constructive player on the world stage.