The coronavirus pandemic, which emerged in China in late 2019, has complicated the two regions' delicate relationship even further.
Both sides had planned to meet in Leipzig, Germany this month as they looked to sign an investment agreement before the end of 2020. However, with a global pandemic and little progress in their negotiations to date, the grand summit has been scaled down to a video call.The EU and China have often clashed over human rights issues, trade and economic policy.
"We have to recognise that we do not share the same values, political systems, or approach to multilateralism," Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said in June following a call with the Chinese President Xi Jinping.Both leaders will take stock of their investment negotiations, discuss climate change and their responses to the coronavirus on Monday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also participate.
Don't get a Faustian bargain with China - it'd doom EU!