Chinese analysts highlight economic ties with Europe as key to sustainable cooperation, following EU's decision to delay trade confrontation with Beijing.
Chinese analysts said that deep economic interdependence between China and Europe makes cooperation more sustainable than protectionism, following reports that the EU delayed a trade confrontation with Beijing, as reported by Beijing's Global Times.
The Financial Times stated that EU leaders opted for dialogue during a two-day summit in Brussels, instructing Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to engage constructively with partners while developing new trade defense tools.
Feng Zhongping of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences noted that the delay was expected, highlighting the EU's dual-track approach of de-risking while maintaining China as an indispensable partner. He explained that Europe is combining pressure tools with dialogue to manage competition.
Jian Junbo of Fudan University remarked that China's rational and firm response through bilateral coordination mechanisms has helped ease tensions. He added that communication between China and the EU remains smooth.
Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong stated that recent consultations laid the groundwork for a ministerial-level dialogue. He added that the EU side indicated that a trade war was not its objective and expressed a willingness for constructive talks.
Analysts noted that Europe's protectionist measures and politicized trade policies pose long-term challenges; however, closer economic ties with China could yield mutually beneficial outcomes. Mr. Jian emphasized that Europe should focus on competitiveness rather than relying solely on de-risking.
