China Welcomes Costa and von der Leyen Amid Trade Tensions
China Confirms Arrival of Costa Rica and von der Leyen - Costa and Leyen scheduled to visit China
In the midst of escalating trade disputes with the US, China has touted its relations with the EU as a "vital anchor" in the global market, according to Chinese government officials. The impending visits of Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa aim to intensify discourse and collaboration between the two powerhouses.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed congratulations to Costa and von der Leyen on the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations, as reported by CCTV, China's state television. Xi underscored his support for elevated cooperation, asserting that "China and the EU should uphold multilateralism, safeguard fairness and justice, confront unilateral aggression, and jointly address global predicaments."
Upon assuming office, former US President Donald Trump instigated a trade war with China, imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese imports, and extending them to European goods as well. In this climate, Beijing is actively positioning itself as a dependable partner in international trade.
- China
- António Costa
- Beijing
- Ursula von der Leyen
- EU
- Lin Jian
- USA
Background and Intentions
- These visits serve to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, highlighting a relationship characterized by extensive economic interdependence, with both being each other’s largest trading partners[1].
- The primary goals include deepening dialogue and collaboration across various spectrums, such as trade, climate change, digital and green economies, and fostering a stable global order amid economic uncertainties and escalating geopolitical tensions[1][5].
- China views the visits as an opportunity to work alongside the EU to uphold multilateralism and adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter, while opposing unilateralism and intimidation — an apparent reference to ongoing US-China trade conflicts and tariffs imposed by the US[1][5].
- Both sides are committed to tackling global issues like climate change and sustainable development, and to negotiate their differences in a constructive manner, enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership[1][3][4].
- China has lifted any constraints on bilateral engagements with the EU, paving the way for additional high-level China-EU summits and economical and trade dialogues[2][5].
China's Global Trade Posturing
- China seeks to cast itself as a diplomatic and responsible global trade partner that supports multilateralism and stable international trade frameworks, distinguishing itself from the unilateralist approach displayed by US tariffs and trade policies[1][5].
- By inviting EU leaders and pursuing increased economic and strategic alignment, China aims to inject "stability and constructive energy" into global trade and diplomatic dynamics, projecting itself as a stabilizing force during periods of trade disputes and geopolitical turmoil[1].
- The emphasis on advancing collaboration in green and digital economies aligns with China’s broader ambitions to spearhead emerging, sustainable sectors of global trade and innovation[5].
- The visits of Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to China are significant, as they mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between China and the EU, a relationship characterized by extensive economic interdependence with both being each other’s largest trading partners.
- China has been actively positioning itself as a dependable partner in international trade, aiming to cast itself as a diplomatic and responsible global trade partner that supports multilateralism and stable international trade frameworks, particularly in contrast to the unilateralist approach displayed by US tariffs and trade policies.
- In the midst of escalating trade disputes with the US, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed congratulations to Costa and von der Leyen on the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations and underscored his support for elevated cooperation, asserting that "China and the EU should uphold multilateralism, safeguard fairness and justice, confront unilateral aggression, and jointly address global predicaments."
- The primary goals of these visits include deepening dialogue and collaboration across various spectrums, such as trade, climate change, digital and green economies, fostering a stable global order amid economic uncertainties and escalating geopolitical tensions.
- Beijing is also eager to work alongside the EU to uphold multilateralism and adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter, while opposing unilateralism and intimidation — an apparent reference to ongoing US-China trade conflicts and tariffs imposed by the US.
