Russia's loss in Ukraine war a threat to China, US focus shift a reality; EU gets Beijing's warning loud and clear
EU accuses China of enabling Russia's war effort
Trade disputes and rare earth export restrictions under scrutiny
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EU–China summit and diplomatic tensions
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During a four-hour closed-door meeting in Brussels on July 2–3, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that Beijing 'cannot afford' to see Russia lose in Ukraine, citing concern that the United States would otherwise redirect its focus away from Europe and toward China.The remarks, not included in official communiqués, were described by EU officials as a moment of rare frankness that startled Brussels.Also read: Donald Trump drops bombshell: US is hacking China just like they are hacking us Kallas pressed China to cease material support to Russia, warning that Chinese firms supplying dual-use components to Moscow pose a 'serious threat' to European security.China maintains publicly that it is 'not a party' to the war and denies military or financial assistance. Wang emphatically rejected the allegations, stating that 'if China was materially supporting Russia, the conflict would have ended long ago'.At the same meeting, Brussels also criticized China over restrictive export policies on rare earths and magnets, vital to European manufacturers and defense systems.Kallas accused Beijing of engaging in 'distortive practices,' and China's Ministry of Commerce responded by reducing license processing time from six weeks to three.Wang urged mutual respect of core interests, warning against viewing Europe and China as adversaries.Also read: US becomes Taiwan's number 1 export destination surpassing China. Is Beijing losing grip over Taipei The discussion set the stage for the upcoming EU–China leaders summit scheduled for July 24–25 in Beijing and Anhui Province.Wang reportedly indicated that the summit's duration 'could be truncated' if the EU continued to press on contentious issues. He also said the bloc and China share 'broad common interests' and urged a cooperative relationship, despite current 'various challenges'.
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