Competitiveness is gained through competition rather than isolation or protectionism. All that can be expected from the EU’s anti-subsidy probe is heightened risks for China-Europe trade and disruptions in international economic order, which is harmful for all parties involved.
The Yiwu-Madrid freight rail service, a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, is an opportunity for European companies to enter the vast Chinese market.
It is understandable that the purpose of the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation is to protect local enterprises, but the EU’s rash engagement in trade protectionism has nothing to do with ‘fairness.’
The present-day EU policy to appease Washington while harming the European economy will not become a winning resolution for Brussels.
In a world that is beset with challenges and uncertainty, Eurasia, with its connected markets and integration, is providing new paths for growth and prosperity.
Without communication, the political strategy of the German Government remains more of an aspiration. It explains how the government positions itself politically in the balance of power between the EU and China. But that is all.
Decoupling based on relatively old data, or following certain narrow-minded narratives with some stemming from the Cold War 2.0 trap, entail risks of their own.
If Europe is serious about its economy, then it must also be serious about China and cannot afford to engage in self-sacrifice any more to the detriment of its own prosperity and people in supplementation of U.S.-centric goals.
The ancient Silk Road made indelible contributions to shaping civilizations, catalysing inventions, and engendering literary and scientific treasures in history. Now, the Belt and Road Initiative is infusing new vitality into the ancient cultural exchange tradition.
Constant and personal contact between partners is essential, whether in politics, or in joint ventures established in the business world.
For the EU to maintain its principled opposition to any ‘zero-sum’ contest, it should build on its stated desire to partner with Beijing on global issues and avoid misconstruing its partner as a political rival.
The recent visits by EU and major member state leaders to Beijing demonstrate the bloc’s willingness to improve relations and maintain economic cooperation with China across a range of fields.
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