BRUSSELS, Jun 30 (Alliance News): China’s top diplomat Wang Yi is visiting Europe this week, with stops in Brussels, France, and Germany, aiming to reinforce ties with the European Union as China navigates global uncertainty and tensions with the United States.
Beijing has described the EU-China relationship as an “anchor of stability” in a world facing “turmoil.”
Wang will hold high-level talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels to discuss security, diplomacy, and economic cooperation.
His European tour comes at a time when both sides are trying to strike a balance between cooperation and confrontation, particularly on trade and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In Berlin, Wang is scheduled to meet German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, marking his first visit to Germany since the conservative government took office in May.
In Paris, he will meet with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited Beijing earlier this year.
Ukraine War in Focus
While China maintains it is a neutral party in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, European leaders are expected to raise concerns over Beijing’s perceived support for Moscow.
Western governments argue that China’s economic and diplomatic ties with Russia have strengthened the Kremlin’s hand and reduced pressure on Moscow to seek peace.
Beijing has consistently called for a political solution to the war and framed its involvement as neutral. However, its reluctance to condemn Russia’s aggression and its continued trade with Moscow have drawn criticism in Europe.
Mounting Trade Tensions
Another major focus of the visit is trade. EU-China relations have become increasingly strained over what Brussels sees as unfair trade practices and growing economic imbalances.
The EU recorded a trade deficit of $357.1 billion with China in 2023, sparking calls for tougher regulations.
Tensions flared after the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with duties on French cognac.
While France says a deal has been reached to lift the cognac tariffs, the agreement has not yet been formally approved by Chinese authorities.
The situation remains tense as Europe pushes back against Chinese market restrictions. Earlier this month, the EU banned Chinese firms from participating in public tenders for medical equipment valued above five million euros ($5.8 million), citing restricted access for European companies in China.
China called the move discriminatory and accused the EU of applying “double standards.” The dispute covers a wide range of medical products, including masks and X-ray machines, in a European market worth more than 150 billion euros.
Rare Earth Restrictions
The issue of rare earth exports is another major point of contention. Since April, China has required export licenses for these critical materials, which are vital for electric vehicles and other green technologies. China currently dominates global production of rare earths.
EU industries have voiced concern over the delays and limitations caused by the licensing system. In response, China has proposed a “green channel” for rare earth exports to the EU to ensure smoother trade, though concrete steps have yet to be announced.
China’s Strategic Messaging
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, speaking ahead of Wang’s trip, underscored that both China and the EU must “safeguard multilateralism, free trade, international rules, and justice.”
He added that the world is facing increased “unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying behavior”—a veiled criticism of US policies under President Donald Trump.
The visit reflects China’s intent to build stronger ties with Europe as a strategic counterweight to mounting pressure from Washington.
It also comes at a time when both sides are trying to recalibrate their relations amid global power shifts and economic realignments.
