Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

EU Strengthens Ties with Japan, Faces China Challenges

7/23/2025

39 2

Summary

Costa Strengthens Alliances

European Council President Antonio Costa unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen EU-Japan ties at a summit in Tokyo, emphasizing trade and security through a proposed "Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance." Shortly after, Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to tackle pressing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions.

Summary

Leaders Strengthen Cooperation

The 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations, as leaders unite to bolster cooperation in a world fraught with uncertainty. With trade skyrocketing from $2.4 billion to an impressive $785.8 billion, both sides are determined to deepen their partnership while tackling economic tensions and geopolitical challenges head-on.

History

Historical Context

The normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan in 1972, following Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka's visit to Beijing, marked a significant shift in East Asian geopolitics. This relationship has since flourished, with trade between China and the EU skyrocketing from $2.4 billion in 1975 to $785.8 billion in 2022, underscoring the importance of these alliances amid rising global tensions.

1 of 3

Costa Strengthens Alliances

European Council President Antonio Costa unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen EU-Japan ties at a summit in Tokyo, emphasizing trade and security through a proposed "Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance." Shortly after, Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to tackle pressing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions.

1 / 3