No reason to be rivals

In a turbulent world, by taking shared responsibilities rather than excluding each other, China and the EU can create a better future for each other as well as for the whole world

The world is undergoing profound changes and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. Against this backdrop, China and the European Union are two major forces upholding world peace, two major markets promoting common development, and two major civilizations advancing human progress. This year marks the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, as well as the 20th anniversary of our comprehensive strategic partnership. We have reaped fruitful outcomes through exchanges in the past.

Since arriving in Brussels last December, I have talked to friends from various sectors and felt their enthusiasm for strengthening cooperation with China. And our relations have maintained the sound momentum of growth since the end of last year, which is something that both sides must cherish. In addition, the two sides held high-level dialogues on environment and climate, digital affairs, economy and trade, and the strategic dialogue, as well as dialogues on human rights, fisheries, ocean governance and energy. We also plan to hold the China-EU Summit in Beijing by the end of this year, which will provide strong political guidance for and inject new impetus into our relationship.

However, there are some challenges. In 2019, the EU designated China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival. And recently, the rivalry aspect seems to be more prominent in the eyes of some European politicians. From China's perspective, we disagree with this triple definition. We believe we are more partners than rivals. Of course, economic competition is normal, yet attempts to decouple, even in the name of de-risking, serve no one's interests. China and the EU are far away from each other geographically. There is no fundamental conflict of interest. Instead, we stand to benefit from each other's development. In our view, we can cooperate and compete, but there is no reason to be rivals.

We have seen some negative developments that we are quite concerned about. In June this year, the EU listed Huawei and ZTE as high-risk vendors without giving any concrete evidence or going through any proper procedures. It recently initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles from China. And there are also reports that it may launch anti-subsidy probes into Chinese wind turbines, photovoltaic components and steel and aluminum industries.

We do hope that this is not a prelude to a trade war against China. We know that the EU wants to strengthen resilience, but the issue of dependency should be viewed objectively, and not exaggerated. Interdependence is a product of globalization and should be welcomed. What we really need is leveling upward in our relations, which is the right way to reduce risks.

On people-to-people dimension, we also face growing obstacles, as being tough on China now seems to become a politically correct thing to do. People-to-people exchanges are an important pillar of China-EU relations. So it is only natural for us to further our cooperation, both for the development of China and the EU and for the sake of the world, so that it does not fall into different blocs or become fragmented.

Actually, how the world will look like tomorrow will to a large extent depend on the choices that China and the EU make today.

So looking forward, we need to first rebuild mutual trust and reduce mutual suspicion. With very different historical and cultural traditions, political systems and stages of development, it is nothing abnormal that we see things differently. The EU advocates unity in diversity while we believe in harmony without uniformity. This shows that we both respect and embrace differences. As a matter of fact, the common interests between China and the EU far outweigh differences. Therefore, we must not allow our differences to define our relations, or allow differences in one area to spill over into other areas. An important part of my job here is to improve the political atmosphere. It's my sincere hope that all of us can work together to enhance mutual political trust between the two sides.

Second, we need to pursue openness rather than restrictions. Despite a slowing world economy, China-EU trade hit another record high of $847.3 billion last year, with a year-on-year increase of 2.4 percent. We are each other's second-biggest trading partners. The two sides trade goods worth nearly $100 million every hour. During the 10th High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue held last month, we reached consensus or made progress on macroeconomic policy coordination, industrial and supply chain cooperation, the improvement of the business environment, Word Trade Organization reform, financial sector openness and regulatory cooperation. The China-Europe Railway Express, with more than 78,000 trips in the past 11 years, has reached over 200 cities in 25 countries and regions in Europe, and created tens of thousands of local jobs. However, some politicians are now generalizing the concept of security and politicizing China-EU economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Bilateral trade has decreased somewhat since the beginning of this year. We are concerned about this trend and believe it's unnecessary to impose any restrictions.

Third, we need to take shared responsibilities rather than exclude each other. Multilateralism is a common language between China and the EU, and there is broad consensus and space for cooperation in upholding multilateralism, addressing climate change and improving global governance. Cooperation between the two sides will inject more stability into the world. At the just-concluded 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, President Xi Jinping announced China's eight major steps aimed at supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. For example, we will build a multidimensional connectivity network, which includes efforts to speed up high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, participate in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, and build a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation. We will also support an open world economy by signing free trade agreements and investment protection treaties with more countries. And we will carry out more "small yet smart" livelihood programs and deepen green cooperation with other countries. We believe that as platforms of cooperation, China's Belt and Road Initiative and the EU's Global Gateway should complement each other and succeed together. China is ready to explore with the EU the possibility of complementing our development initiatives, and seeking cooperation in third markets in areas of green, low-carbon and clean energy.

In this turbulent and challenging world, the global significance of China-EU relations is becoming more pronounced. I am confident that by working together, we can create a better future for us and for the whole world.

The author is head of the Chinese Mission to the European Union. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn