"As the international landscape grows increasingly fraught, the anniversary offers a timely reminder: China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival," Xinhua wrote, underscoring the conciliatory tone China appeared to be willing to take during the summit if the EU corresponded.

China and the EU are expected to publish a joint statement committing the two regions to more ambitious plans for cutting emissions ahead of the UN COP30 summit in Brazil, in an e

The European Union and China are preparing a landmark joint statement on climate cooperation, a move that could help galvanize momentum ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil later this year.