EU leaders adopt plans to reduce economic dependence on China

EU leaders adopted plans to continue trade activity with China but reduce the bloc’s economic dependence on Beijing at a summit in Brussels on Friday.

According to a joint statement, the EU is expected to continue a mutually beneficial economic relationship, but will “continue to reduce critical dependence and vulnerabilities”.

The European Union is recalibrating economic relations with China as doubts persist in the bloc about Beijing’s reliability as a partner in light of the country’s growing dictatorial transformation.

China has been sharply criticized over its human rights record and for not distancing itself so far from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

EU leaders called on China to use its influence on Russia to end the conflict..

The EU leaders ‘ statement also included China’s important role in addressing climate change .

Economically, the conglomerate is currently dependent on China for certain raw materials, batteries and materials used in pharmaceutical goods among other things.