At least certain issues have been made clear. On Thursday, July 24, European Union leaders traveled to Beijing to speak directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by Prime Minister Li Qiang, about the series of disputes that have soured relations between the two economic superpowers. The visit was meant to mark half a century of diplomatic ties between China and Europe, but the tone mainly reflected the high level of European frustration. "As our cooperation has deepened, so have imbalances. We have reached an inflection point," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the summit's opening at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square.

Two major issues proved to be the main sources of tension: trade, with all the disputes it has generated, and the industrial and diplomatic support that China has continued to provide to Russia since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine. Protocol would have dictated that Xi travel to Brussels, since the previous summit was already held in Beijing, but Chinese diplomats ruled that out. The Europeans decided not to take offense, judging it essential to engage in person with the Chinese president, given how power is concentrated around him.

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