Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing is willing to work with the European Union to promote cooperation and respond to “global challenges.”
“The world is facing the risk of division, fragmentation and disorder,”
Stated Lin Jian, spokesperson at the Chinese ministry.
“China-EU relations have all the more strategic importance and global influence.”
“China attaches great importance to its ties with the EU and views Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner and important and independent pillar in the multipolar world,”
Said Lin.
“We hope the EU can become a cooperation partner that China can trust.”
How are U.S. tariffs influencing EU-China dynamics?
According to experts, the most recent step taken by President Trump in imposing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods has major consequences for the relationship dynamics between the European Union and China. The EU and China have common ground against the U.S. administration for tariffs they believe are unilateral, skewing the rules-based international trading system.
What does von der Leyen’s “de-risking” strategy mean?
There have been recent signals from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, where she went so far as to change the EU’s approach towards China, emphasising a strategy of “de-risking” while further indicating open mutual benefit solutions.
Von der Leyen reiterated the commitment of the EU regarding “de-risking” its ties with China, which sounds like a word meant to describe reducing one’s dependency on China in critical fields, such as technology or supply chains. This approach is a response to growing concerns over China’s influence and its alignment with Russia amid geopolitical tensions.
She also said that the EU and China can “find solutions” in their mutual interests despite de-risking. She pointed out the possibility of expanding trade and investment ties, which indicates a willingness to engage constructively despite existing challenges.
