China and Europe enhance trade ties through high-level talks, focusing on cooperation in green economy and addressing supply chain interdependence.
China and Europe have stepped up high-level meetings and consultations, with observers saying the intensive dialogue signals pragmatism and a willingness to resolve differences, reports Beijing's Global Times.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Danish King Frederik X and Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen, stating that China is ready to strengthen cooperation in the green economy, innovation, and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and urged Denmark to play a constructive role.
Mr. Wang also co-chaired the first meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism in Brussels with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The two sides confirmed the mechanism's official establishment, agreeing to hold one to two ministerial-level meetings annually.
Chinese experts noted that Europe's internal divisions and economic pressures are prompting calls for practical cooperation, highlighting the deeply intertwined nature of China-Europe supply chains. They urged Europe to respond seriously to China's concerns rather than politicizing trade issues.
Wang Wentao, China's commerce minister, also met UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle in London for the 15th China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission, where both sides pledged to advance cooperation and strengthen policy communication, including on WTO reform and e-commerce.
A survey by pollster Public First across 24 EU countries found that respondents in eight nations leaned toward stronger ties with China, while 43 percent said they expected China to be Europe's most important trading partner in 10 years, compared to 27 percent for the US.
Analysts indicated that Europe's protectionist measures, including new steel safeguards and limits on e-commerce parcels, run counter to public sentiment. They noted that Europe's reliance on Chinese goods, from semiconductors to cooling products during heatwaves, underscores the inseparability of China-Europe trade ties.
Zhang Jian of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations stated that attempts at de-risking or decoupling ignore reality, as Europe needs Chinese goods and China's supply chains help address real-world problems. He stressed that cooperation is mutually beneficial and based on genuine market demand.
