China-EU relations have seen both positive and worrying developments in recent days. On Thursday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a meeting via video link with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. Both sides agreed to make joint efforts to meet each other halfway, do sound economic and trade preparation work for this year’s important China-EU agenda, and promote the healthy, stable and sustained development of China-EU economic and trade relations.
However, on Friday, the European Commission announced that the EU will restrict the ability for Chinese medical device manufacturers to access public procurement contracts worth more than 5 million euros ($5.7 million) – a move widely seen as further escalating trade tensions between China and the EU.
In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the same day that the EU claims to be one of the most open markets in the world, but in reality has been inching toward protectionism, and that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, which could be a key opportunity to advance the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties. However, just as signs of a positive shift in China-EU relations have begun to emerge, the EU has repeatedly sent negative signals. Apart from the reemergence of trade restrictions against China, senior EU officials have also made unfriendly remarks about China at major international forums like the Shangri-La Dialogue and the G7 Summit. Earlier, there were even media reports claiming that the EU has no intention of holding an economic meeting with China. All of this has undoubtedly undermined the momentum toward greater stability and development in bilateral relations — and does more harm than good to the EU itself.
It is particularly staggering that, in the context of the Trump administration’s threats of high tariffs against Europe, some in the EU are now following Washington’s lead in the trade arena. Europe is itself a victim of trade protectionism and, overall, has shown courage in resisting tariff blackmail. For example, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Europeans to stay united and confident, saying that “we are not supplicants… we mustn’t make ourselves smaller than we are.”
Now, however, some in Europe mistakenly believe that China, under pressure from the US tariff war, is the one seeking favors from Europe. Some even fantasize that by taking a tougher stance against China, they can force China into making unilateral concessions to the EU. If these people think they’ve secretly picked up the US’ “art of the deal” and are feeling complacent, they are undoubtedly gravely misjudging both themselves and China.
Whenever signs of improvement emerge in China-EU relations, some irrational disruptions always seem to follow. Take European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent remarks at the G7 Summit as an example. She claimed the world is undergoing a new “China shock,” accusing China of weaponizing its dominance in the global market for rare earth permanent magnets, while holding a piece of magnet.
This is essentially raising a white flag to US’ tariff blackmail, trying to deflect the pressure onto China in exchange for being let off the hook. It’s a deeply disingenuous move. Ironically, despite all the scheming, it was completely ignored by the US at the G7 Summit – leaving von der Leyen putting on a show that no one was watching.
China has always approached its relationship with Europe with sincerity. However, the EU’s recent behavior gives the impression that it is playing political games behind the scenes. We understand that, under mounting pressure from US tariff blackmail, the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, Europe is eager to safeguard its own interests as much as possible. But that desire must not go in the wrong direction. The EU trying to gain extra leverage or offset losses in its relations with China through protectionist measures or pressure tactics is neither realistic nor dignified. The EU cannot focus solely on its own demands while ignoring China’s legitimate concerns. That is not the right way to engage with China.
China-EU relations have long been one of the most strategically significant bilateral relationships in the world. Together, China and the EU account for more than one-third of the global economy and over one-quarter of global trade, with an average daily trade volume exceeding 2 billion euros. This represents not only a tremendous opportunity for both sides’ economic development, but also a strong foundation for jointly resisting the tide of protectionism and promoting inclusive growth. As two major forces for multipolarity, two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations advocating diversity, the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations serves the interests of both sides – and is also a shared responsibility. The EU, in particular, should abandon a narrow strategic vision, and demonstrate the courage and wisdom for true strategic autonomy.
Last month, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. He emphasized that a healthy and stable China-EU relationship not only promotes mutual achievements, but also illuminates the world. Looking back on the 50 years of China-EU relations, the most important lesson is that both parties must adhere to the positioning of their relationship as partners, respect each other’s social systems and development paths chosen by their peoples, and respect each other’s core interests and major concerns. It is hoped that the EU will align its words with actions, put “making joint efforts to meet each other halfway” into practice, and join China in upholding the original aspiration for establishing diplomatic ties, so as to promote the sustained and positive development of China-EU relations. GT
