EU-China digital dialogue postponed amid escalating trade tensions

A planned EU-China dialogue on digital matters has been indefinitely postponed, signaling escalating trade tensions between the bloc and Beijing. The meeting, initially scheduled for June 23 in Beijing, will not take place as bilateral ties continue to deteriorate.

Sources familiar with the situation confirmed the postponement, with the Financial Times reporting that Beijing had abruptly cancelled the talks, along with a second meeting involving a senior EU official. Olof Skoog, deputy secretary general of the EU's External Action Service, was slated to travel to the Chinese capital as part of preparatory visits for a potential trip by top diplomat Kaja Kallas later this year.

Despite the cancellation of the digital dialogue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that communications regarding the relevant dialogue were ongoing. Meanwhile, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic described his recent talks in Paris with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao as "focused and in depth." However, there was no clear sign of progress in resolving ongoing disputes, including European tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and Chinese anti-dumping measures on European brandy.

European officials are increasingly emphasizing the need to reduce dependencies on China, particularly for critical raw materials essential for industries such as automakers, aerospace, and semiconductors. EU Industry Commissioner Stephane Sejourne highlighted the importance of diversifying raw material supply chains to guarantee economic autonomy. The EU faces the challenge of advancing its trade relationship with China without alienating the U.S. administration, which has imposed tariffs on European goods and threatened further measures.

European and Chinese leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Beijing to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties. In 2023, China was the EU's second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 793 billion euros.