As the upcoming 25th China-EU Summit draws near, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent remarks have cast a shadow over the prospects for constructive dialogue. In a series of pointed comments ahead of her visit to China, she called for a “rebalancing” of bilateral economic ties, demanded greater market access and urged China to ease export controls on rare earths.
Framing China as “running the largest trade surplus in the history of mankind” and linking the future of China-EU relations to China’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, von der Leyen appeared to shift responsibility for Europe’s own economic woes onto China. Yet rather than fostering goodwill, the tone and timing of these comments risk undermining the very dialogue the summit is meant to promote.
Despite sounding firm, her remarks reveal a strategic miscalculation and misplaced confidence. Aimed at pressuring China ahead of the summit to gain leverage at the negotiating table, such tactics are unlikely to succeed. China’s Foreign Ministry responded briefly but firmly: cooperation between China and Russia does not target any third party, and should not be disrupted by any third party.
Von der Leyen’s rhetoric reflects her consistent advocacy for strong transatlantic ties. However, in a world where the US is turning inward under the even more pronounced “America First” orientation, her stance leaves the EU more reactive than proactive. Far from enhancing the EU’s bargaining power, treating China as a strategic threat could lock Europe into an outdated Cold War mindset and further marginalize itself on the global stage.
Economic figures indicate that cooperation, rather than conflict, would better serve Europe’s interests. According to Chinese statistics, the bilateral trade volume between China and the EU reached $783 billion in 2023, with cumulative mutual investments exceeding $250 billion. At a time when Europe is grappling with inflation, an energy crisis and broader economic uncertainty, heightening tensions with such a major economic partner seems not only ill-timed but also self-defeating.
While von der Leyen adopts a tough approach, there is no consensus within the EU on its China policy. Key member states like Germany and France maintain close ties with China in sectors such as renewable energy and the digital economy. Her rhetoric does not necessarily reflect the broader EU position.
Ultimately, von der Leyen’s posturing may create the illusion of strength, but it does little to bolster EU cohesion or improve its strategic footing. In today’s multipolar world, clinging to zero-sum thinking will only push the EU further to the margins of global affairs.
The views are extracted from Ting Feng de Chan (meaning A Cicada Listening to the Wind) account and do not necessarily reflect those of facts.org.cn.
