China and the European Union (EU), along with major European powers like France, are set to enhance communication and cooperation, with analysts suggesting that tensions between China and the United States have eased after the San Francisco summit. This development is expected to lead Europe to take a more pragmatic approach in developing ties with China.
The disruption and interference from Washington have limited the EU’s ability to formulate fully independent policies in dealing with China. As China-US relations stabilize, new opportunities arise for breakthroughs in long-standing issues, including the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Experts anticipate cooperation on challenges stemming from the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged French President Emmanuel Macron to advance the traditional China-France friendship, indicating a push for enhanced relations. Bloomberg reported that French Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna is heading to China to address trade tensions arising from a European anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles. The visit aims to advocate for a balanced relationship respecting EU sovereignty.
The first EU-China summit in four years has been tentatively scheduled for December 7-8, as per Politico’s report on November 10. While dates are yet to be formally announced, these diplomatic activities come at a strategic time following the San Francisco summit, where some obstacles in China-EU relations are expected to diminish.
Song Luzheng, a Chinese scholar in France, highlighted that the timing is interesting, and with the Biden administration managing tensions with China, the EU sees an opportunity for breakthroughs in cooperation.
Gao Jian, an expert on European studies, expects steady growth in China-EU economic and trade relations. President Xi’s call with Macron emphasized maintaining high-level exchanges, fostering progress in various areas, and promoting friendly exchanges.
The call also touched on France’s active participation in the Belt and Road Forum and the China International Import Expo, with Xi welcoming increased French products in the Chinese market. Macron stressed the significance of strategic communication and cooperation between France and China amid the current international situation.
As diplomatic activities unfold, experts hope for a restart of the CAI negotiations and increased cooperation on geopolitical issues. China’s influence in the Middle East positions it as a potential partner for the EU in addressing challenges related to the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Xi emphasized the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, urging continued mutually beneficial cooperation. Protectionism is discouraged, with both sides recognizing the negative impact on globalization and the need for cooperation in technology research and product development.
As Europe seeks economic independence without losing access to the Chinese market, analysts anticipate a more balanced relationship between China and the EU, fostering positive development and cooperation.