EU-China summit: showcasing the differences?
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the EU-China summit in Beijing on Thursday. Relations between the two sides are extremely tense, with Brussels accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices and supporting Russia militarily in its war against Ukraine. Observers examine the relationship between the two unequal partners.
Race to catch up not going anywhere
For the Salzburger Nachrichten, the EU is lagging behind:
“China has the upper hand - also economically. The EU trade deficit has grown to almost 300 billion euros. The Chinese have overtaken Europe in many areas, be it the production of electric cars, the manufacture of solar panels or the development of artificial intelligence. Apart from ambitious action plans not much has come of Von der Leyen's statement that Europe must become more independent. The race to catch up is a long time in coming.”
Five steps to success
If EU industry is to survive in the competition with China a series of decisive steps must be taken, economics professor Jože P. Damijan stresses in Dnevnik:
“Firstly, the focus must shift from the current fantasy about confrontation and rearmament to development. Secondly, a coordinated industrial and technological strategy must be developed, aimed at expanding competences and materials. Thirdly, the regulation of state aid must be completely overhauled and European funds must be channelled primarily into industrial projects. Fourthly, energy policy must be reoriented with the aim of lowering electricity prices for industrial producers. And fifthly, Europe must work for immediate peace in Ukraine and the resumption of Russian gas deliveries at favourable conditions.”
China's support for Russia as a stumbling block
Turun Sanomat points to the EU's dilemma in its relations with China:
“China and Russia cooperate in many practical ways. Instead of weapons, China supplies Russia with components that are important for arms production and without which Russia would be in serious trouble. ... The continuation of the war in Ukraine serves China's interests. The war is draining the West's resources and causing divisions. ... The EU is in a difficult position. Economic relations with China have become more important than ever since the US started its tariff war. On the other hand, China's support for Russia must be condemned and should lead to countermeasures.”
EU needs to go cold turkey
Le Figaro is even more direct:
“The official line is that China is seeking a 'peaceful solution'. In reality, however, it is financing Russia's war efforts by buying its oil and supplying it with the 'dual-use' components it needs to manufacture its weapons. If Beijing is caught red-handed, it will respond with rare earth blackmail. It will never abandon its Russian 'junior partner'. Germany, which is dependent on exports from China, has now announced that it wants to go cold turkey. And it's about time too! If Europe is fed up with China's playing a double game it must join forces with Berlin and take a stand.”
Make use of the little elbow room available
Europe should adhere to von der Leyen's course in dealing with China, the Süddeutsche Zeitung recommends:
“This means not shying away from confrontation and restrictions when Beijing doesn't play by the rules. Because unlike in the trade conflict with the US, the EU has a lot of leverage against China. At the same time it must use what little elbow room it has for cooperation. The EU-China declaration on climate protection, the only concrete outcome of the summit, is little to go on. Nevertheless, it is an official agreement on a defining issue of the 21st century. And it shows that China is still willing to accept common rules.”