Chinese President Xi Jinping to take over as host of ‘17+1’ summit with European leaders

Decision to replace Premier Li Keqiang at annual meeting reflects Beijing’s increased focus on Europe amid rising tensions with US, sources say

Xi expected to deliver a keynote speech and meet heads of state from across Central and Eastern Europe at April event

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will host the “17+1” summit with European leaders in April in Beijing, sources say. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:30pm, 2 Jan 2020Updated: 8:52pm, 17 Feb 2020

Chinese President Xi Jinping will replace Premier Li Keqiang as host of this year’s Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries meeting, sources said, in a sign of the greater significance Beijing now gives to its links with Europe amid a growing rivalry with the United States.

Invitations for the event – launched by Beijing in 2012 and better known as the “17+1” for the 17 European nations that take part – were sent to European leaders in Xi’s name, according to diplomats who have seen them.

One source, who declined to be named, said Xi was expected to deliver a keynote speech at the summit, which is set to take place in April in the Chinese capital, and meet the visiting dignitaries.

On the matter of Li being replaced after six years in charge, the person said: “The tradition has changed as circumstances have changed.”

Li hosted all but the first of the 17+1 meetings, at which former premier Wen Jiabao presided.

China is keen to boost ties with Europe amid rising tensions with the US. Photo: AFP

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