The corresponding video appeared on the official page of EC Chairman Ursula von der Leyen on the social network X (formerly Twitter).

“We (countries EU. — Ed.) are united in moving towards building stable and mutually beneficial relations with China,” said Michel.

At the same time, von der Leyen emphasized that the parties are ready to discuss methods of balancing economic relations between the EU and China. She called China the most important economic partner of the European Union, with which, however, there are some tangible imbalances and differences and called for their elimination.

Earlier in the day, US presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis said the White House should not allow the 21st century to become “the century of China.” The number one challenge for American national security, he said, is “to contain China’s ambitions.”

The day before, it became known that Italy had withdrawn from China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Rome sent a corresponding note to Beijing three days before the official announcement.

The holding of a joint EU-China summit became known on November 11. The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, clarified that the delegation will include the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The European Council has been preparing for months the common position it will promote on behalf of the EU. Despite the disagreements, the leader of the organization emphasized that Europe strives to maintain relations with China in every possible way.