The E.U.-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aims to elevate ties beyond trade and investment, broadening relations and fostering all-dimensional exchanges and cooperation
The Chinese diplomat – Wang Li has said that the European Union (E.U.) must further clarify its position on the E.U.-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed in 2003.
The E.U.-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aims to elevate ties beyond trade and investment. The two sides have broadened and deepened their relations and fostered all-dimensional, multi-tiered and wide-ranging exchanges and cooperation.
However, since 2019, the 27-nation bloc has called China an “economic competitor” and a “systemic rival”, owing to China’s close relations with Russia. Things got worse after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and China not imposing any sanction on Russia. Moreover, the E.U. has also criticised China for its ill-treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the far eastern region of Xinjiang.
Wang Li’s remarks came during a meeting with the High Representative of the E.U. for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Josep Borrell Fontelles, as E.U. leaders called for reduced dependence on China.
Taking it to twitter, Josep tweeted,
Constructive and in-depth talk with Director Wang Yi on managing responsibly EU-China relations.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 14, 2023
I expressed EU expectations as to China's role to help ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to provide humanitarian assistance.
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He further tweeted,
We also discussed on preserving stability and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 14, 2023
Looking forward to holding soon Strategic Dialogue in Beijing and to deepening mutual engagement on common global challenges.
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Talking to Josep on the sidelines of Regional Meetings in Jakarta, Wang Li said that China and the E.U. should strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation. Earlier in June 2023, the E.U. leaders committed to reducing its dependence on China and debated how to strike a balance between de-risking and cooperating in areas such as climate change. In March 2023, the President of the European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen said a hardening of China’s position required Europe to “de-risk” both economically and diplomatically. The European Commission is also urging E.U. members to agree to stronger controls on exports and outflows of technologies for military use by “countries of concern”.
Wang also called on both sides to guard against the politicisation of economic issues and the use of “de-risking” as another term for “decoupling”. He said that there is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and the E.U.
Talking about Ukraine, Wang said that China supports a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, and will continue to promote talks for peace and play a constructive role in seeking a political settlement of the crisis.
