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During the 24th China-EU Summit held in Beijing on December 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of viewing each other as partners rather than rivals. This summit marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, signaling a new chapter in their relationship.
President Xi highlighted that despite different systems, China and the EU should continue to strengthen cooperation and avoid confrontations over disagreements. \"We should not view each other as rivals just because our systems are different, reduce cooperation because competition exists, or engage in confrontation because there are disagreements,\" he stated.
The summit arrives at a time of evolving global dynamics. Wu Hongbo, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs, pointed out the EU's shifting stance, describing it as having three simultaneous directions: partner, competitor, and systemic rival. This complexity, he likened, is like having three traffic lights at a crossroads, creating confusion.
Despite challenges, the China-EU relationship remains robust. Economically, both are each other’s second-largest trading partners, with daily trades averaging 2 billion euros in 2022. Additionally, China has implemented a visa-free entry policy for five European countries, fostering greater mobility and cultural exchange.
Experts like Jeffrey Sachs from Columbia University note that while competition drives progress, it's essential that rivalry does not hinder collaboration. \"China is a low-cost producer of photovoltaics and electric vehicles, which positions it strongly in the U.S. and European markets,\" he explained.
Prominent voices such as French President Emmanuel Macron advocate for a more autonomous Europe, capable of pursuing its own foreign policy and economic strategies. This autonomy is seen as a way to enhance the strategic significance of the China-EU partnership, contributing to global peace and stability.
As both regions navigate this new reality, the emphasis remains on building a relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared goals.
