(Finance) – “Relations between the EU and China are quite complex. We address them with clarity, constructiveness and responsibility, because a China that plays fairly is good for everyone. At the same time, Europe will not hesitate to make decisions difficult, necessary to protect its economy and its security”. Thus the EU President Ursula von der Leyen at the end of the trilateral meeting with the French President Emmanuel Macron and with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Paris.“Today was the third time I met President Xi in just over a year and I think that reflects the importance that we both attach to EU-China relations,” von der Leyen said, adding “we have had an open and honest exchange and discussion where we agree and where we differ: from geopolitical issues to climate change and, of course, our economic relations.”
The first topic of comparison was the geopolitical situation – explained the President – “we agree on the fact that Europe and China have a common interest in peace and security“. “President Xi has played an important role in mitigating the irresponsible Russia’s nuclear threats“, the President recalled, saying she was “confident that she will continue to do so”, while on Middle Eastern sidethe situation – he said – “worries both” and “no effort can be spared to ease tensions and prevent a wider conflict in the region”.
From the side more tightly economic and commercial there was talk of the continuation of imbalances on three aspects: Chinese subsidized products (electric vehicles, steel) which are flooding the European market; equal and reciprocal access to markets; the resilience of supply chains.
Also the President Macron stated that the “‘coordination”‘ with China on Ukraine and the Middle East “it’s decisive” while on the economic front he urged “fair rules for everyone” in trade between Europe and China. “The future of our continent – she underlined – will clearly depend on our ability to continue to develop our relations with China in a balanced way”.
An appeal for peace also from President Xiwho reiterated that the EU and China want “a quick ceasefire and the return of peace to Europe” and that “they must jointly oppose extension and escalation of fighting, create conditions for peace talks, safeguard international energy and food security and keep industrial and supply chains stable”.
“China considers Europe an important dimension in its diplomacy among the main countries and an important partner in the path towards Chinese modernization”, underlined the Chinese leader, reiterating that China “always faces its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective” and hoping that “China-France and China-EU relations strengthen each other and prosper together”.