China Must Take 'Right Steps' to Build Trust With Europe, Ex-Diplomat Urges
Even as China-Europe Ties are indicating a thaw, and Beijing must address "the appropriate issues" as highlighted by Europe, which includes concerns like Ukraine war -if it seeks a "practical partnership" with the EU.
That is according to Arancha Gonzalez , who was Spain served as the foreign minister from 2020 to 2021.
Gonzalez stated that establishing trust in a relationship involves more than simply uttering the correct words; it also requires taking appropriate actions.
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“If China genuinely aims to invest in the future of its relations with Europe, they should understand what matters most to Europe,” she stated during an interview at a forum held in China’s Hainan province on Wednesday.
It understands that addressing climate change is crucial for Europe. It recognizes that achieving a equitable and enduring resolution in Ukraine matters greatly to Europe. Additionally, ensuring open markets under fair conditions is vital for Europe. These principles reflect what Europe stands for.
This development follows signs of improved relations between China and Europe, including statements from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—who has been considered the EU’s leading proponent of a tough stance against China—indicating last month that there is potential for enhancing trade connections with Beijing.
In other symbols, a flow of Leading European authorities traveled to China. This week, including the EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic , French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Portugal's top diplomat Paulo Rangel. Rangel, along with Gonzalez, was at the annual Boao Forum for Asia In Hainan, it gathers leaders from the governmental sector, industry, and academic circles.
The European Parliament has similarly removed limitations on legislators interacting with certain Chinese officials, as reported by the South China Morning Post. reported this month , which was seen as an additional indication of enhanced ties between both parties.
Gonzalez, who serves as the dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po, suggested that a near-term possibility for China to improve ties with the EU would be to support the rules-based trading framework and oppose unilateral trade measures and unjust trading behaviors.
She suggested beginning practically from a point where interests align and opportunities present themselves.
Europe has faced significant challenges since the tenure of US President Donald Trump Following his return to the White House, his administration’s fresh tariff threats and seeming shift towards Moscow have disrupted the transatlantic alliance.
These advancements have led to the proposal that the group might grow more aligned with Beijing, despite ongoing high trade tensions following the EU’s imposition of significant import duties on products from China. electric vehicles last year.
Gonzalez stated that in Europe, there has been a clear realization that establishing a practical partnership with China is necessary.
"This seems like an opportune time to perhaps reassess and establish a foundation for interacting with each other, keeping in mind the future where the geopolitical landscape will undoubtedly be far more complex," she stated.
However, she emphasized that the EU-China relationship ought not to be characterized as "dependent on someone else’s relationships," and that it must instead be grounded in what both parties desire for their own futures.
She explained that it essentially involves constructing a future-oriented relationship based on the aspects where both parties agree, while simultaneously working on effectively managing the areas where their viewpoints differ.
Europe needs to mend relations with China since China is now considered a systemic partner.
During the extensive interview, Gonzalez was candid about the Trump administration’s stance toward Europe, stating: “What we’ve observed is that [the US] does not wish for Europe to thrive.”
She mentioned that Europe aimed to show the Trump administration was mistaken.
With Trump repeatedly criticising Nato Gonzalez stated that given the challenges posed by the transatlantic security partnership, halting military assistance to Ukraine, and similar issues, it was evident “we must achieve greater strategic autonomy and assume more control over our future, beginning with the defense and security of Europe.”
The former foreign minister likewise condemned the way the Trump administration quickly addressed the Ukraine conflict following their tenure in office. reached deals this week Ukraine and Russia have decided to halt their assaults at sea and on energy infrastructure. In response, Washington has consented to advocate for lifting certain sanctions imposed on Moscow.
"What I have observed is that the Trump administration appears to be rushing things excessively, and they’ve come to realize this benefits [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, who so far hasn’t shown real interest in negotiations," Gonzalez stated.
At present, Russia has mainly set conditions for what it seeks from negotiations, and these conditions would be at odds with Ukraine’s status as a sovereign, independent, and geographically complete nation.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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