EU Chief Defends China Deal Ahead Of US Summit

Speaking to reporters ahead of the series of summits, Michel stressed that Biden's efforts to mend ties mark a return to a "strong partnership".

One of Brussels' top two leaders has defended the European Union's efforts to reach an investment agreement with China, ahead of summit meetings with US President Joe Biden. The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, will meet Biden at this weekend's G7 summit in Cornwall, before hosting him in Brussels next week for EU-US talks. Speaking to reporters ahead of the series of summits, Michel stressed that Biden's efforts to mend ties mark a return to a "strong partnership" after tension under the Trump administration. And he insisted Europe would not "paper over our fundamental values, our fundamental freedoms and human rights" in its dealings with an increasingly assertive China.