CCP mouthpiece Huanqiu Times recently published an editorial criticizing the European Union and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for embracing protectionist policies and damaging China-EU relations. Below are the key points from the editorial:
“On June 20, the EU’s European Commission announced that Chinese companies would be banned from participating in European government medical equipment procurements valued at over €5 million – a move widely seen as escalating trade tensions with China. In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, while the EU often proclaims itself to be “the world’s most open market,” it is in fact steadily shifting toward protectionism. The Ministry emphasized that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, which should have been an opportunity to strengthen healthy and stable ties. Yet just as the relationship showed signs of positive adjustment, the EU has repeatedly sent negative signals. Trade restrictions on China have resurged, and senior EU officials have made critical remarks about China at international forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue and the G7 Summit. Earlier reports also suggested that the EU has no intention of resuming trade talks with China.
“What is particularly striking is that, even though the Trump administration once threatened Europe with heavy tariffs, some Europeans now appear to be following Washington’s lead in trade policy. This is both puzzling and short-sighted. Some mistakenly believe that, under U.S. trade war pressure, China “needs” Europe and will make unilateral concessions if sufficiently pressured. If they are self-congratulatory, thinking they have mastered the so-called “art of the deal,” they are gravely misjudging both China and themselves.
“Each time China-EU relations show signs of improvement, irrational disruptions seem to arise. For example, at the recent G7 Summit, President Von der Leyen claimed that the world is experiencing a new “China shock” and even held up a magnet to accuse China of “weaponizing” its rare earth dominance. In reality, this was akin to waving a white flag to U.S. tariff threats, attempting to shift pressure onto China in hopes of winning favor from Washington. Such tactics were disingenuous and, ironically, went largely ignored by the U.S. during the summit – Von der Leyen’s performance received little attention.
“Attempting to gain trade advantages or offset losses through protectionism or pressure tactics is both unrealistic and undignified. The EU cannot continue to press its own demands while disregarding China’s legitimate concerns.”
Source: Huanqiu Times, June 20, 2025
https://m.huanqiu.com/article/4NAsIkKBTnz