China-EU ties reach half century: 4 things to know

Will Trump 2.0 push the two combative sides to find common ground?

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China's President Xi Jinping, left, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: May 6 is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters) 

MAILYS PENE-LASSUS and CISSY ZHOU

PARIS/HONG KONG -- The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union looks set to pass with neither pomp nor circumstance after President Xi Jinping declined to visit Brussels for May 6 commemorations.

The mood is muted as both sides look for compromise in a world made more challenging by Donald Trump's second term as U.S. president. Last week's lifting of travel sanctions on some EU officials by Beijing could pave the way for the resumption of talks over an investment deal many years in the making. But with other European lawmakers still under sanction, experts say Beijing's move may have little impact.

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