New EU chief Ursula von der Leyen takes helm amid growing European suspicion of China
- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told Commission President Beijing hoped to remain a key partner for bloc despite being labelled ‘strategic rival’ earlier this year
- Growing concern about allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang casts a shadow over relations between Beijing and Brussels
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has told the European Commission’s new president that the bloc will remain a key partner for China, as Beijing faces increasing suspicion in Europe.
They spoke on Ursula von der Leyen’s first day in office on Sunday, pledging to deepen cooperation – including on climate change – and work to agree a key trade deal by next year.
However, Europe as been putting increasing pressure on Beijing over allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang – where an estimated one million Muslims have been detained in reeducation camps.
The EU is currently in discussions about sending an inspection team to the region, according to Reuters, but has yet to agree on the conditions for the visit.
Beijing’s attitude towards von der Leyen is likely to be one of caution as it watches to see how she responds to what analysts said was a growing suspicion about China across Europe.