The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union (EU) and China has underscored the deepening rifts between the two powers on critical issues of security and trade. At a July summit commemorating the milestone, the EU urged China to cease its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and halt the influx of subsidized exports into European markets. China, however, rejected these demands, leaving the relationship at an impasse. Bridging these divides would require significant concessions from either side—either the EU compromising its security and economic interests or China altering its alliance with Russia and its trade policies. Neither scenario appears likely in the near future.