Talks aim to ease growing trade tensions over critical mineral restrictions.
European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed on Monday that senior Chinese officials will visit Brussels in the coming weeks to discuss Beijing’s export curbs on rare earth elements, which have disrupted global supply chains and heightened trade tensions.
China’s recent expansion of export controls has triggered concerns across Europe and the United States, as the country dominates over 90% of global rare earth supply — materials crucial for high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense systems.
“We are very concerned about the trade relationship with China, especially the recent measures that China adopted regarding the export control of critical raw materials,” Costa said during an interview on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“A high-level delegation from China is going to Brussels in the coming weeks, and we hope to address these in the proper way.”
Costa added that Beijing holds significant diplomatic leverage and could play a key role in mediating an end to the war in Ukraine, a conflict that continues to strain global economic stability.
Meanwhile, the European Union is accelerating efforts to deepen trade engagement in Southeast Asia, with new agreements expected soon with Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. However, Costa reiterated that the EU will not send observers to Myanmar’s planned elections, emphasizing that the bloc does not recognize the legitimacy of the country’s military-led administration.
Beijing’s upcoming talks in Brussels mark a critical moment for EU-China trade relations, as Europe seeks to secure stable access to critical minerals needed for its green transition and technological competitiveness.
