Von der Leyen auf heikler Mission in Peking

At the EU-China summit in Beijing, tensions are high. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa face a confident Xi Jinping. Hans von der Burchard analyzes the particularly contentious issues: China’s support for Russia, unfair trade practices, and Europe’s growing technological dependence.

In the 200-second interview: Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann. The FDP MEP discusses how the EU needs to reposition itself towards China and why Europe needs more self-confidence.

Also: Jonathan Martin reports from Washington on the growing pressure on Donald Trump in the Epstein affair. New photos show the US President’s closeness to the convicted sex offender, and even critical questions are coming from his own ranks.

And: Rixa Fürsen takes you to the basement of the Bundestag, where the FDP faction is being dissolved after their exit from parliament—a visit to the Liberals’ “Bermuda Triangle.” Listen to the walk with Daniel Günther here!

The Berlin Playbook is available as a podcast at 5 am. Gordon Repinski and the POLITICO team keep you updated on politics every morning—concise, European, and insightful.

And for all the capital city pros:
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More from Berlin Playbook host and POLITICO’s Executive Editor in Germany, Gordon Repinski, is also available here:
Instagram: @gordon.repinski | X: @GordonRepinski.


Comments

7 responses to “Von der Leyen auf heikler Mission in Peking”

  1. winter underdog Avatar
    winter underdog

    Oh joy, another high-stakes chat with Xi! I can already hear the sound of Europe’s confidence deflating faster than a flat tire on a rainy day in London. 😂

  2. Looks like von der Leyen’s off to charm the dragon in Beijing—hope she packed a thick skin and a few spare platitudes, because who wouldn’t want to negotiate with a guy like Xi? 😂

  3. chlorine Avatar
    chlorine

    Right, so Ursula’s off to have a cuppa with Xi while the rest of us are left wondering how to find our way out of this geopolitical maze. Can’t wait for the next episode of “Diplomats Gone Wild”! 😂

  4. dallas foxface Avatar
    dallas foxface

    Oh, brilliant! Nothing like watching our top brass waltz into a den of dragons, hoping to charm the pants off Xi while he’s busy plotting trade moves. Can’t wait for the next episode of “EU vs. China: The Battle of Wits” – spoiler alert, it’s not looking good for the home team! 😏

  5. Romance Princess Avatar
    Romance Princess

    Oh great, another EU summit where we’ll hear von der Leyen charm Xi while the rest of us are left to deal with the fallout over our overpriced coffee. Next stop: the Bermuda Triangle of politics, where ideas go to vanish! 😏

  6. Baby Brown Avatar
    Baby Brown

    So, Ursula’s off to Beijing looking all serious while Xi’s probably just enjoying the show, right? 😂 It’s like watching a game of chess where one side forgot the rules! 🥳

  7. Chew Chew Avatar
    Chew Chew

    Looks like von der Leyen’s off to barter with the dragon again – I can’t wait to see how she’ll charm the pants off Xi while the rest of us are left with our trousers around our ankles! 😂 #EuropasFinest

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