EU officials, in recent remarks made during a meeting with Chinese leaders, acknowledged a critical inflection point in their relationship. The EU highlighted economic imbalances and emphasized the need for reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade relations with China. Furthermore, the EU called on China to use its influence to encourage Russia to end its war in Ukraine. These discussions occurred amidst recent EU sanctions against Russia that included two Chinese banks, prompting a response of strong opposition from Beijing.
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The European Parliament’s decision to resume engagement with China follows the lifting of sanctions imposed on five MEPs in 2021. This resumption, however, is not without caveats, as significant concerns remain regarding China’s trade practices, including market distortions and restrictive access barriers. Despite the renewed dialogue, MEPs maintain their critical stance on China’s human rights record and industrial policies. Obstacles to a positive EU-China trade relationship persist, necessitating further discussions on these key issues.
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China and the European Union (EU) must actively resist what amounts to economic “bullying” through the imposition of tariffs. This forceful stance is crucial for ensuring fair and equitable global trade practices. The current situation presents a clear opportunity for China and the EU to forge a stronger alliance against protectionist measures.
The global trading landscape is currently being reshaped by unilateral actions. This is forcing a reconsideration of existing trade routes and partnerships, prompting the need for stronger, more collaborative responses. Simply allowing these actions to dictate the flow of trade would only perpetuate a system vulnerable to exploitation.
The suggestion that trade will simply reroute around the offending parties ignores the broader implications of such a scenario.… Continue reading
EU leaders, including Council President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen, will travel to Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping in late July. This decision follows Xi’s unwillingness to visit Brussels, overriding the usual rotating summit location. The summit signifies a strong EU effort to re-engage with China amidst strained relations with the U.S., particularly due to President Trump’s trade policies and perceived support for Russia. No official date has been set, but the trip underscores the EU’s prioritization of direct dialogue with China.
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Following a Brussels-Beijing phone call, the EU expressed concerns to China regarding the anticipated surge of Chinese imports diverted from the U.S. due to increased American tariffs. This influx is a direct consequence of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, potentially leading to a global trade war. The EU sought China’s cooperation in monitoring these imports. The timing of a July summit to discuss this issue was downplayed in initial communications. China, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its trade dispute with the United States.
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China’s offer to enhance communication with the EU arrives at a particularly interesting juncture in global politics. The current state of affairs, marked by a perceived weakening of the US’s global standing, has seemingly created a power vacuum that various nations are vying to fill. China, a prominent contender, appears to be strategically positioning itself to leverage this shift.
This overture from China isn’t entirely surprising. It seems a natural response to the perceived self-inflicted wounds of the US administration. The recent actions and statements from the US have understandably raised concerns among its allies, leading to a reassessment of geopolitical alliances.… Continue reading
Amidst strained EU-US relations following President Trump’s return, European Commission President von der Leyen has signaled a potential shift in approach toward China. This involves “de-risking” the economic relationship while simultaneously exploring opportunities to deepen trade ties and find mutually beneficial agreements with Beijing. This represents a softening of the EU’s previously assertive stance toward China, reflecting the complexities of navigating a highly competitive global landscape. The goal is to achieve a fairer, more balanced relationship with China, even while addressing trade imbalances and Beijing’s support for Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood