At this week's virtual summit, leaders from China and the European Union gathered online to consider the future of the relationship between China and the EU.

Xi Jinping, Angela Merkel, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel had their own points to make – the Chinese president calling for commitment to peaceful coexistence and multilateralism, and the EU making it clear they were looking for a more balanced relationship.

But there is also an opportunity like never before for China and the EU to take the lead on the global stage on everything from climate change to data security.

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On this week's The Agenda, Stephen Cole spoke with Lin Goethals, Programme Director at the European Institute for Asian Studies in Brussels, and Wang Yiwei, Director at the Center for European Studies at Renmin University, to see how they see this vital geopolitical relationship progressing.

"China, EU relations is now at a crossroads, because the world is in a crossroad," Wang said. "It's whether to go a globalized, multilateral way, or de-couple."

Geothals added: "Of course, the world is a very different place compared to a year ago, or even earlier than that. So, the EU and China will have to tackle specific issues that are on the table and have been there for quite a while, so progress is needed and will be required."

Cole also talks to Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce to consider what the real opportunities are for companies from Europe and China to work together and tap into two of the largest markets in the world.

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