China’s top foreign policy official, Wang Yi, is set to visit Europe next week for high-level diplomatic engagements in a bid to stabilize and improve relations with key European partners, including the European Union, Germany, and France, Beijing announced Friday.

The week-long visit, beginning Monday, reflects China’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with the EU at a time of heightened geopolitical rivalry with the United States. The visit comes as both sides prepare for a major summit next month, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.

A Strategic Push Across the Continent

Wang Yi’s itinerary includes stops in Brussels, Berlin, and Paris, where he will engage with European leaders on issues ranging from security and trade to regional and global challenges.

In Brussels, Wang will participate in a strategic dialogue with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. Discussions are expected to focus on recalibrating the China-EU relationship amid growing concerns over economic imbalances and political differences.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the current global landscape as one dominated by “unilateralism and protectionism”—a subtle rebuke of the U.S.—and said the visit aims to promote mutual understanding and practical cooperation.

Germany: Diplomatic Reset with a New Government

Wang will meet Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in what will be the diplomat’s first visit to Berlin since the conservative-led government took office in May. Talks will center on diplomacy and security issues, with China hoping to revitalize its “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Germany.

Guo described Germany-China ties as a vital anchor of stability in a rapidly shifting global environment and expressed hopes for deeper collaboration between the two nations.

France: Strengthening Bilateral and EU Relations

In France, Wang is scheduled to meet Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The two are expected to exchange views on a wide range of topics, including global political developments and efforts to strengthen China-France and China-Europe relations. Barrot previously visited Beijing in March, signaling ongoing efforts to maintain strong diplomatic ties.

Wang will also hold separate meetings in Brussels with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot to discuss regional cooperation and economic engagement.

Trade Tensions Cast a Shadow

Despite diplomatic outreach, trade frictions continue to strain China’s relationship with the EU. Recently, the European Commission barred Chinese companies from bidding on public procurement contracts for medical devices exceeding €5 million, citing restrictions on European firms in China’s healthcare market.

This tit-for-tat action, affecting a sector valued at €150 billion across the EU, was met with sharp criticism from Beijing, which accused the bloc of applying “double standards.”

Another contentious issue is the export of rare earth minerals—critical components in technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy systems. In April, China introduced a licensing requirement for rare earth exports, raising concerns among European manufacturers. Beijing has since proposed a “green channel” to streamline exports of these materials to EU countries, aiming to defuse tensions.

Diplomatic Mission with Broad Implications

Wang Yi’s European tour underscores China’s effort to counterbalance its deteriorating relationship with Washington by solidifying ties with European powers. With economic and security concerns mounting on both sides, the outcomes of these discussions may prove pivotal in shaping the next chapter of China-EU relations.