China, a vital and reliable partner for Europe

Recent developments involving the US, Russia, Ukraine and Europe have gone beyond the wildest imagination of even the most seasoned observers of international relations. The lashing out at Europe by US Vice President JD Vance during the Munich Security Conference, the hitting-it-right-off between the US and Russia about ending the Ukraine crisis, the pushing Europe and Ukraine off the negotiating table, the cancellation of High Representative Kaja Kallas’ meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and then the heated exchange in the Oval Office between the US and Ukrainian leaders in front of a world audience. Things are happening fast, and it is just the beginning.

The events cast doubts over the fate of the transatlantic partnership. Europe has begun searching for a course of self-salvation. The frustration on Europe’s part is fully justified. The US is shifting more responsibility of security to Europe, suspending military aid to Ukraine, and urging NATO members to raise defense budget to as much as 5% of their GDP; it is threatening to impose higher tariffs on the EU and trying to divert European capital to America; it is withdrawing from international treaties and organizations which are bedrocks of multilateralism underpinning the post-war world order. For Europe, this is indeed a difficult time. Subsequently and interestingly, China is picked as a card in the new game, like it or not. In fact, it is vital for European leaders to reflect on what best serves Europe’s interests and how Europe should see and position China in this whole new landscape, instead of highlighting China as a much stronger power than Russia, in an attempt to retain favor from the US.

Anyone in his right mind knows that China has been consistent in its Europe policy. The country constantly advocates strong relations with Europe, despite the latter’s three-pronged strategy and intention of de-risking from China in recent years. China supports European integration and strategic autonomy and welcomes cooperation in all areas, including trade, green development, digital transition and defending multilateralism in the international arena, which are all Europe’s priorities. They remain the same, before and after the latest developments between Europe and the US. If China’s reiteration of these goals and positions is seen by Europe as a charm offensive, it is fine by China.

Many in Europe have realized that China’s balanced position on Ukraine which came under harsh criticism actually presents a force of predictability. Since the very beginning, China has emphasized that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected. China has not provided lethal weapons to either side. China is committed to peaceful settlement of the conflict and supports a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture for Europe. Such a position has been unchanged throughout the years of the conflict. Currently, China expects all parties and stakeholders to participate in the peace talks at an appropriate time to find a just and lasting solution.

Economically, China remains an ideal partner for cooperation. Despite some headwinds, China has secured robust growth through reform measures and higher-level opening-up. China has extended unilateral visa-free access to dozens of European countries, removed all restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and embraced greater openness in the services sector. China is stunning the world with its hi-tech breakthroughs in areas such as AI and EV despite US actions to hold it back. A successful China offers more opportunities, not threats. The Chinese leadership has made it clear that China sees Europe as a key partner in modernization. The gesture, if reciprocated, will lead to successes on both sides.

At the global level, China upholds an international order with the UN at its core, never interferes in other countries’ internal affairs, and calls for an equal-footed and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all. China’s Belt and Road Initiative serves to bring prosperity to countries and regions, many of which are in Europe’s neighborhood, thus helping to address the root causes of the migration issue. In dealing with global challenges, China is a part of the solution, not a problem.

China is a ready partner for Europe. Even if there are differences, there is always a strong case for collaboration. Playing the China card is short-sighted and irrelevant. For a Europe with strategic autonomy, it never has to be a choice out of two, and Europe’s interests are best advanced with reliable partners.

The author is an international observer.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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