Ahead of the anticipated China-EU summit, Chinese experts on Saturday shed light on the expectations surrounding the event. They anticipate that China and the EU will increase their dialogue, bridge some trust gaps, and reconcile disagreements as part of Brussels’ “de-risking” strategy. This insight comes after an EU official confirmed the visit of EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, to China in the coming week. Notably, this visit had been postponed twice before.
Details about the impending trip were shared by an anonymous EU official on Friday, who revealed that Borrell’s visit is scheduled from October 12 to 14. While in China, Borrell will have a discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The agenda will encompass bilateral relations and delve into foreign policy and security matters.
This dialogue is particularly significant in light of recent events. Brussels initiated an investigation into China’s electric vehicles subsidies. This move was met with pronounced displeasure and robust opposition from China’s Ministry of Commerce earlier this week.
The broader context surrounding Borrell’s visit, as articulated by AFP, is Brussels’ strategy to maintain equilibrium. The EU aims to address its reservations about relying heavily on Beijing while continuing to foster strong bilateral ties. These matters will most likely constitute the crux of discussions between Borrell and Chinese officials.
Wang Yi, a senior figure in the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, had earlier in August voiced his approval of Borrell participating in the strategic dialogue. Analysts speculate that Borrell’s key intent behind the Beijing trip is to engage in the China-EU Strategic Dialogue. This dialogue is pivotal in the China-EU relationship, serving as a precursor to the main China-EU summit.
Li Haidong, a prominent scholar at the China Foreign Affairs University, opined that Borrell’s journey is slated to emphasize strategic communication and collaboration. Borrell’s agenda will likely include amplifying mutual exchanges in diverse sectors such as the economy, energy, and cultural exchanges, and building trust on shared concerns.
Li also shared insights into the intricate dynamics between the EU, the US, and China. The EU aspires for more economic independence but has had to consider the strategic rivalry between the US and China. The EU shares substantial common interests with both superpowers. China’s vision, as expressed by Li, is to bolster strategic cooperation with the EU. This partnership can amplify Europe’s global influence, creating a more equitably balanced global strategic landscape, free from excessive US dominance.
Another viewpoint was presented by Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. Cui highlighted China’s intention to strengthen its ties with the EU, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving and stability. Despite full-fledged in-person dialogues between China and the EU resuming only recently in 2023, Cui believes the EU’s misconceptions about China need addressing.
A significant milestone was the high-level economic and trade conversation between Chinese and EU officials on September 25 in Beijing. This was the first face-to-face dialogue since the pandemic and resulted in several new agreements. Yet, the European Parliament’s recent approval of a trade tool designed to counter “economic blackmail” from foreign nations, potentially targeting China, raises questions.
Such actions by the EU underscore the “de-risking” philosophy adopted by Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president. While analysts note that this approach diverges from the US’s “decoupling” stance, China remains apprehensive about the unilateral narrative.
Cui stressed the importance of clarity regarding the “de-risking” concept. He urged the EU to delineate whether it perceives China itself as a risk or if it’s the challenges between the two that are seen as the problem. He argued that viewing China as a threat is not a conducive attitude for strategic partners.
Another expert echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the China-EU relationship should have a consistent tone. Categorizing relations into “cooperation, competition, and confrontation” is counterproductive. Especially if the EU leans heavily on security concerns, it risks drawing cooperative ventures into competitive or confrontational trajectories.
The investigation into “electric vehicles subsidies” will likely serve as a benchmark for China-EU relations. Cui believes that a technological and political resolution could strengthen mutual trust. However, if some European politicians deviate from traditional EU-China policies, the stability of China-EU relations could be at risk.
In conclusion, the upcoming China-EU summit and preceding strategic dialogues present a pivotal opportunity for both parties. They can build mutual trust, address shared concerns, and lay the foundation for a robust and collaborative future.
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