Li, meanwhile, called for the “two important poles” to “demonstrate responsibility, maintain strategic independence” as they navigate a world that “is undergoing new and complex changes, with increasing instability and uncertainty”, according to a readout published by Xinhua.

Von der Leyen, who has taken the European Union’s China policies in a more assertive direction in recent years, used a softer-than-usual tone in a statement in which she called on Beijing to “engage with us in a spirit of mutual understanding” in addressing the bloc’s many trade concerns.

“Europe’s concerns regarding export controls, market access, and overcapacity are well known. I appreciate China’s willingness to engage with us in a spirit of mutual understanding,” said the German official.

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The Europe-China trade relationship: deficits, disputes and de-risking

The Europe-China trade relationship: deficits, disputes and de-risking

Von der Leyen has previously used less diplomatic language when describing Beijing’s restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals, which have driven some European manufacturers to pause production.