Despite the inconvenience brought on by Covid lockdowns, many of Europe's leading businesses are ready to expand in the world's second-largest economy as trade dependence on China grows.

However, some EU officials are debating whether the group should begin to limit its exposure due to a deteriorating relationship with an increasingly unpredictable Beijing, remorse over the price Europe has paid for becoming overly close to Russia, and rising geopolitical uncertainty.

In order to strengthen diplomatic ties, EU Council President Charles Michel will examine this decision while meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.

Since the last official meeting between an EU president and Xi, who was chosen by the heads of the 27 EU member states, took place four years ago, a lot has changed.

Since then, ties have been strained by the Covid-19 outbreak, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and tit-for-tat sanctions between Chinese and EU legislators. The United States, which restricted semiconductor exports to China in October, is apparently pressuring Europe to take a similarly strict stance.

Michel's spokesperson, Barend Leyts, stated last week that China and Europe now have a "timely opportunity" to discuss issues of "shared interest" as a result of Michel's visit. He didn't say what topics would be covered.