The Chinese government plans to cancel the second day of the two -day summit with the European Union, scheduled for late July, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. This change is yet another sign of the worsening relationship between Beijing and Brussels.

Initially, Commission President Ursula von der Laien and European Council President Antonio Costa were to meet with Chinese President Xi Jing and Prime Minister Lee Chiang in Beijing on July 24 and then to July 25th. Now, the meeting will only be limited to the first day in the Chinese capital.

Beijing seeks to appear as a more reliable partner by Donald Trump, who has alienated US allies through duties and demands on defense issues. However, relations with the EU are burdened by chronic disagreements about the war in Ukraine and China’s industrial policy.

The intensity is also enhanced by commercial imbalances, coupled with the new Chinese restrictions on exports of rare land magnets, which have hit European industries.

It was preceded by the cancellation of the EU -China high -level dialogue on economy and trade, as well as a digital forum, due to lack of progress in trade negotiations. These forums were considered preparation for the leaders’ meeting.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang is in Europe for meetings in Brussels, Germany and France. On Wednesday, EU High Representative Kaya Calas called on China to end “intervention practices”, withdraw restrictions on rare land exports and stop supporting the Russian military industry, also demanding complete and unconditional ceasefire.

The Chinese side, on the other hand, called on the EU to see China as a partner and not as an opponent, stressing the importance of communication to resolve disputes.

Beijing is worried that the EU can conclude a trade agreement with the US, which will include arrangements for supply chains, export controls and strategic sectors, similar to those agreed between the UK and the US.