Chinese President Xi Jinping sent an explicit invitation to the leaders of the European Union to enhance cooperation with his country in the face of what he described as “unilateral”, in an indirect reference to the policies pursued by the administration of US President Donald Trump, which threatens to reshape the global order on unilateral foundations.
In an official message marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, Xi addressed the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Line, and the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, stressing that the two sides are required to “manage differences properly and deepen strategic communication.”
A Chinese invitation to a multi -polar world
“China and the European Union must defend pluralism, protect justice and fairness, and oppose unilateral bullying,” she said, and stressed the need for “joint work to face global challenges, strengthen a multi -polar world, organized and fair, and comprehensive economic globalization.”
This message comes at a time when Beijing is trying to reform its relations with Brussels, especially after years of tensions, the most prominent of which was the mutual sanctions imposed in 2021, against the backdrop of the European Union’s criticism of the China Human Rights Register in the Xinjiang region.
Suspended
In a remarkable development, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed for the first time in public that it decided to suspend the sanctions imposed on 5 members of the European Parliament and the Sub -Committee for Human Rights, the sanctions that had obstructed bilateral cooperation during the past years.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed that the time has come to “fold the page” and start a new stage of relations between the two parties.
“Despite the fluctuations in the relations between Beijing and Brussels, the two sides agreed on the importance of resuming dialogue and full cooperation.”
“We expect that the appeal of exchanges will contribute to deepening mutual understanding,” he added.
Preparations for new talks
Xinhua reported that Beijing welcomed the view of von der Line and Costa in time to hold a new round of bilateral talks, in a move aimed at restoring political and economic momentum between the two sides.
Despite the breakthrough indicators, the differences remain present, Jorge Toledo, the European Union’s ambassador to China, reaffirmed old demands that include:
- Correct commercial imbalances
- Providing a fair market environment for European companies in China
- Cooperation in global issues
- Likewise treatment in commitment to improve relationships
“The European Union is ready to make the necessary efforts … and we hope that China will make the same amount of effort,” Toulido said.
Observers believe that the Chinese President’s message represents a clear strategic shift in Beijing’s speech towards Europe, at a time when China is seeking to play a budget role for the growing American influence, especially with the escalation of trade and geopolitical tensions in the world. However, the ability of the two parties to overcome the differences remains dependent on concrete steps, exceeding the words to verbs.
