Faced with Donald Trump’s hostility, is the European Union pivoting towards China?

The debate has not escaped notice in Washington, where several US officials have warned the bloc against turning to its No 1 enemy

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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, an avowed China hawk, has of late adopted a softer tone towards Beijing in several speeches. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:56pm, 16 Apr 2025Updated: 3:37pm, 16 Apr 2025

A slew of top-level visits, a string of “constructive” video calls and a repopulation of a previously sparse diplomatic calendar. The unintended consequence of US President Donald Trump’s scorning of Europe is the old continent’s re-engagement with China.

The Trump shock has led the European Union’s top leaders to forgo protocol by planning to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in July, even though it is Europe’s turn to host.

Negotiations over ending a bitter dispute over EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles have been restarted. Even the bloc’s top China hawk, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has adopted a softer tone in several speeches and on a call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The stark uptick from last year’s low point in bilateral relations means there is one question on many lips: is the EU pivoting towards China?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (left) walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping outside the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

“We will not jump into China’s arms, but we are open to new opportunities. We would be fools not to use our market as a lever now with the Chinese,” said one European official, when asked the question directly.

A second was less enthusiastic. “We are being pragmatic, but we know that there are limitations to what we can get from either the US or China these days. The focus should be on making Europe stronger.”