Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged the European Union to make “the right strategic choice” and enhance cooperation with China, while EU leaders called for a rebalancing of trade ties, as the two sides tackle deep-seated grievances at a tense summit in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Union leaders during their visit to Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit on Thursday. CGTN published an article exploring China-EU relations in two-way trade and investment,

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday, kicking off an EU-China summit aimed at recalibrating strained ties.

Half a century after the establishment of relations between China and the EU, and against a backdrop of deteriorating transatlantic relations, the European Union and China held their 25th summit in Beijing.

Yet analysts say the Chinese leader is likely holding out for concrete deliverables before agreeing to the high-profile meeting. Trump dramatically escalated the trade war with the world's second-largest economy in April, rolling out sweeping new tariffs that prompted China to respond with its own export duties and other measures.

European leaders demanded a more balanced relationship with China at a summit with President Xi Jinping in the Chinese capital on Thursday. Focusing their opening remarks on trade, they called for concrete progress to address Europe's yawning trade deficit with China.