The 25th China-EU Summit, held in Beijing on July 24, 2025, has been portrayed by Chinese state media as a landmark event, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties and heralding a future of mutual prosperity. President Xi Jinping’s meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was framed as a strategic pivot in a turbulent world, emphasizing partnership, multilateralism, and win-win cooperation. But why does Chinese media amplify this narrative?
Celebrating 50 Years of China-EU Ties
Chinese media, such as China Daily and Global Times, have highlighted the summit’s symbolic weight, marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. From a modest trade volume of $2.4 billion in 1975, bilateral trade soared to $785.8 billion in 2024—a 300-fold increase. The China-Europe freight train network, originating in Chongqing and now connecting 229 cities across 26 European countries, symbolizes this deepening economic bond.
This narrative serves a dual purpose. First, it underscores China’s transformation into a global economic powerhouse, reinforcing domestic pride in its achievements. Second, it positions the EU as a willing partner in China’s rise, countering Western narratives of confrontation. By emphasizing shared successes, Chinese media aim to foster a perception of mutual dependence, subtly discouraging the EU from pursuing aggressive “de-risking” policies.
A Global Leadership Play
A key focus of Chinese media coverage is the joint statement on climate change issued at the summit. With global climate threats intensifying and some nations retreating from multilateral commitments, Chinese outlets frame the statement as a bold step toward global climate governance. This portrayal casts China and the EU as responsible stewards of the planet, contrasting them with “developed nations” (implicitly the U.S.) shirking international responsibilities.
The agenda here is clear: China seeks to bolster its image as a global leader in climate action, despite its status as the world’s largest carbon emitter. By aligning with the EU, which has reduced its global emissions share to 6% and aims for 4% by 2030, China deflects criticism of its environmental record. The emphasis on cooperation in emissions trading, methane management, and green technologies signals China’s intent to shape global climate norms while securing access to European expertise and markets.
Countering De-Risking Narratives
Chinese media heavily promote the economic synergies between China and the EU, citing investments by companies like Volkswagen, BMW, CATL, BYD, Siemens, and Tencent. These examples highlight the “vast space for mutual benefit,” countering Western concerns about trade imbalances and overcapacity. In 2024, bilateral trade reached €730 billion, but the EU’s trade deficit with China stood at €305 billion, fueling tensions.
By showcasing European investments in China and Chinese factories in Europe, Chinese media aim to downplay trade frictions and present a narrative of interdependence. This serves to dissuade the EU from escalating tariffs or restrictions, as seen in recent disputes over electric vehicles and rare earths. It also aligns with Xi’s call for “openness and cooperation,” subtly pressuring the EU to resist U.S.-led decoupling efforts.
Driving a Wedge Between the EU and U.S.
A deeper agenda emerges in Chinese media’s framing of the summit as a counterweight to U.S. influence. Xi’s emphasis on the EU as an “important pole in a multipolar world” and his support for European strategic autonomy reflect China’s desire to weaken transatlantic unity. Chinese outlets criticize “Cold War thinking” and external pressures to “take sides,” implicitly targeting U.S. policies like Trump’s tariffs.
This narrative exploits EU concerns about U.S. protectionism, which threatens European industries caught in U.S.-China trade tensions. By positioning the EU as an independent actor, Chinese media encourage Brussels to prioritize economic ties with China over alignment with Washington. This aligns with Xi’s broader vision of a multipolar world order, where China plays a central role.
Partnership Over Rivalry
Chinese media consistently frame China-EU relations as a model of “peaceful coexistence” across different systems and civilizations. This narrative counters the EU’s “tripartite” strategy, which views China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. By emphasizing “seeking commonality while reserving differences,” Chinese outlets downplay ideological clashes, such as EU concerns over human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
This framing serves to legitimize China’s political system domestically and abroad, presenting it as a viable alternative to Western liberal democracy. It also appeals to EU member states like Hungary, which share a more favorable view of China due to economic ties and skepticism of U.S.-led policies.
Managing Domestic and Global Perceptions
Domestically, the glorified coverage reinforces the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative of global acceptance and leadership. By highlighting the summit’s success, Chinese media bolster Xi’s image as a statesman navigating a “turbulent world.” Internationally, the narrative challenges Western media’s focus on trade frictions and geopolitical tensions, which Chinese outlets dismiss as “misleading.” The positive spin aims to shape global public opinion, particularly in regions wary of U.S. unilateralism.
What Chinese Media Downplay
While Chinese media project optimism, they gloss over significant challenges. The EU’s concerns about trade imbalances, market access, and China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict were central to the summit but received minimal coverage. Xi’s absence from a planned Brussels summit and the shortened duration of the Beijing meeting signal underlying tensions. Moreover, the EU’s refusal to sign a climate declaration without stronger Chinese commitments highlights a gap between rhetoric and action.
A Strategic Narrative for a Multipolar World
Chinese media’s glorification of the 25th China-EU Summit reflects a calculated strategy to advance economic, geopolitical, and ideological goals. By emphasizing climate cooperation, economic interdependence, and multilateralism, China seeks to position itself as a responsible global leader, counter Western de-risking efforts, and drive a wedge between the EU and U.S. The narrative of a “sound and stable” relationship serves both domestic legitimacy and international influence, even as it sidesteps unresolved tensions. As China and the EU navigate a complex global landscape, the summit’s portrayal in Chinese media underscores Beijing’s ambition to shape a multipolar world order on its terms.
