As China prepares to host the upcoming China-EU summit, relations between Beijing and Brussels are marked by significant tension over trade disputes, human rights issues, and geopolitical divides. The meeting will see Xi Jinping engaging with European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, amidst concerns regarding trade imbalances and mutual expectations. Analysts highlight that this summit, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations, could either reinforce existing divides or pave the way for strategic cooperation in sectors like rare earths and electric vehicles. However, the backdrop of rising tensions and differing priorities suggests that the summit may serve more as a litmus test for bilateral engagement rather than a platform for genuine reconciliation.