Khaberni -China confirmed that senior leaders of the European Union will visit China on Thursday to hold a summit to discuss settling a series of trade disputes between the main partners.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday, "According to the agreement between China and the European Union, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit China on July 24th."
The ministry added, "President Xi Jinping will meet with them. State Council President Li Qiang will preside over the 25th summit between China and the European Union, with the participation of the two European leaders."
The summit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Brussels, but it comes after an exchange of criticisms by both sides, each considering it a violation of the principles of fair trade.
Costa said in a statement on Friday, "The summit is an opportunity to engage with China at the highest level and have open and constructive discussions on issues of concern to us all."
He added, "We want true dialogue and interaction and concrete progress. We aim for a fair and balanced relationship that serves the interests of both parties."
Von der Leyen said this month that the European Union will seek to rebalance economic relations with Beijing by requesting easier access for European companies to its markets and easing controls on the export of rare metals.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded by urging the Union to "properly handle differences and frictions" and "build a more objective and rational understanding of China."
Last week, Brussels announced a new package of sanctions targeting Russian oil exports and its banking sector, which also included some Chinese companies and financial institutions.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticized these sanctions and described them as "wrong."
