Trade Policies Fuel Disputes: China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, has emphasized the country’s desire to collaborate with the European Union as a partner rather than a rival. This stance comes amid shifting global geopolitics and the United States’ new trade policy, which Yao describes as “unilateral economic abuse.” The EU’s 2019 strategy labeled China as a “partner for cooperation, economic competitor, and systemic rival,” but Yao believes this definition is illogical given the shared commitment to open markets and rules-based trade between China and the EU.
Partnership Over Rivalry
Yao stresses that China will never pose a threat or be an enemy to the EU, highlighting the bloc’s multilateral approach to foreign affairs as a refreshing contrast to the isolationist agenda of US President Donald Trump. He believes the focus should be on fostering partnerships, citing China’s commitment to open markets and cooperation. This approach is exemplified by China’s recent agreement with Spain to allow market access for Spanish pork stomach, a product in high demand in China but previously unauthorized.
Trade Relations and Tariffs
The ambassador criticizes the US for imposing unilateral tariffs, stating that the US “cuts everyone’s throats” with such policies. He argues that Europe should reconsider its export controls on high-tech products like semiconductors and tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Additionally, Yao suggests that limitations on Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE accessing Europe’s 5G network should be lifted. In return, China has been opening up sectors like telecommunications, banking, and manufacturing to foreign investment.
Still on Trade Policies Fuel Disputes
EU-China Trade Deficit
Regarding the EU’s significant trade deficit with China, estimated at around $345 billion last year, Yao acknowledges that it won’t disappear overnight due to structural issues. However, he expects gradual progress as China continues to open its doors to EU members. “We’ve made it very clear that China will open its door with the passage of time, and this door will never be closed,” Yao said, highlighting China’s readiness to welcome more EU businesses.
Recent Developments
The recent meeting between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and President Xi Jinping in Beijing underscores the effort to strengthen economic and political ties between China and Europe. This move comes as a response to the fallout from Trump’s tariffs, with the US warning Spain against deepening ties with China. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comment that moving closer to China would be “cutting your own throat” was dismissed by Madrid, with Yao expressing shock at the remark.
Ongoing Negotiations
Regarding the EU’s anti-dumping inquiry into EU pork, launched in retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Yao stated that the probe is ongoing. However, he emphasized China’s willingness to address differences through negotiations, signaling a potential easing of tensions in trade relations between China and the EU.
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