China Daily critiques Ursula von der Leyen's threats to China, arguing they undermine dialogue and overlook EU members' desire for stable ties.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's threat of action against China is misguided and risks undermining dialogue, said an editorial in China Daily.
The paper noted that von der Leyen was restrained when US President Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs on European goods, yet declared that Brussels had 'all instruments on the table' unless Beijing delivered results by October.
China Daily stated that Western leaders who used tough rhetoric on China eventually turned to talks. It cited recent consultations between China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic as 'intensive, focused, and constructive'.
The editorial argued that Ms. von der Leyen may be deflecting from concessions made in EU-US trade talks last year. It suggested that she is trying to appear as a defender of European interests by confronting Beijing after Trump's new tariff threats.
The paper pointed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's tour of Nordic states and meetings with European business leaders, including Sweden's Wallenberg family, as evidence of support for deeper engagement with China.
It stated that von der Leyen's 'ultimatums' ignore the fact that many EU members want stable economic ties. Past disputes, such as those over Chinese-made electric vehicles, were resolved through negotiation.
The editorial warned that treating the EU's EUR360 billion (US$411.91 billion) trade deficit with China as leverage is a delusion. Trade imbalances reflect consumption and industrial capacity, not grounds for confrontation.
It added that the EU risks harming its own green transition and competitiveness by shutting out Chinese products. China, it said, will defend its rights but remains open to equal-footed talks.