By Martin Banks

The EU says the 27- strong bloc can do  more  and this would send a strong signal to the world.”

Ursula von der Leyen was speaking following her meeting on Wednesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang

The EC president said she had a “good and frank exchange” with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The main focus of the meeting was to follow up on the “productive” EU-China Summit in July.

von der Leyen said both agreed on the importance of moving “from words to action as soon as possible.”

“The best way forward is to build on the good cooperation we already share on climate and biodiversity,” she said.

She welcomed China’s “willingness” to contribute to global climate goals across all sectors, deliver on the Paris Agreement, and deepen the bilateral cooperation in low-carbon development.

“I also welcomed China’s commitment to carbon pricing,” she said.

At the meeting the two sides highlighted the plastics treaty as an example of how Europe and China can use their combined influence “to make a difference in multilateral fora.”

Ahead of COP30, she said the world “is watching Europe and China, and we are committed to delivering results.”

The two also discussed trade matters.

Europe’s concerns regarding export controls, market access, and overcapacity are well known but von der Leyen said she  “appreciates China’s willingness to engage with us in a spirit of mutual understanding.”

On Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine, she said she welcomed Premier Li’s statement that both Europe and China share an interest in maintaining world peace.

She added, “I explained Europe’s commitment to cutting off the revenue streams that fuel Russia’s war. I expressed my request to China to use its influence to help bring an end to the killing and encourage Russia to go to the negotiating table. Time for diplomacy is now. It would send a strong signal to the world.”

She said, “We both agreed that our relationship must continue to build trust and maintain regular coordination.”