De Croo visits China, seeks progress amid discord
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo met in Beijing Friday, expressing mutual interest in solidifying China-EU relations while acknowledging areas of friction.
De Croo became the first EU leader to visit China since the Ukraine war began, marking a potential step towards dialogue despite existing tensions.
"China is willing to work with the EU to promote steady progress in China-EU relations in the new year," declared Xi, emphasising common objectives in a "chaotic international situation." He advocated for "building more bridges between China and Europe," reflecting a desire for improved collaboration.
However, the shadow of the Ukraine war loomed large over the talks. While both sides acknowledged the conflict as a "serious challenge," their stances remained divergent. China reiterated its refusal to condemn Russia's invasion, highlighting instead the need for "promoting peace and stability in the region."
Economic tensions also surfaced, with the EU's recent investigation into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies drawing Beijing's criticism. The move, spurred by concerns over alleged unfair competition, was labelled "pure protectionism" by Chinese officials.
Despite these areas of conflict, both leaders signalled a willingness to cooperate on other fronts. Climate change, global security, and pandemic prevention were identified as potential areas for joint efforts, suggesting a desire to maintain open channels of communication despite existing disagreements.
The meeting between Xi and De Croo represents a tentative step towards rapprochement between China and the EU. While significant concerns remain unaddressed, particularly regarding the Ukraine war and economic competition, the dialogue indicates a possible path towards navigating past the current strain and paving the way for renewed engagement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
