EU-China relations shouldn't be limited to a counseling approach
The 25th EU-China summit, held recently, has been labelled a "midlife crisis" and a "face-saving event" due to the strained relationship between the two parties. The EU and China, despite ideological differences, have chosen each other as strategic partners, yet the summit failed to produce a joint communique, a common diplomatic marker of success [1].
The summit served more as a platform for both sides to acknowledge the importance of maintaining the relationship while airing grievances, rather than producing concrete solutions [1]. The main points of contention included ideological and geopolitical differences, trade frictions, and issues related to fairness and reciprocity in economic relations.
EU leaders emphasized the need for "real solutions" to the ongoing trade tensions and urged China to make the "right strategic choice" in the face of global multipolarity [1]. Despite the EU's commitment to deepen engagement, the lack of progress was evident, and European businesses called for a return to free and fair trade and a level playing field, highlighting ongoing policy disputes between Beijing and Brussels [1][2].
The relationship between EU and China, built upon necessity, has entered a stage of strain comparable to a "couples therapy session" [1]. The EU acknowledged the importance it continues to attach to its relationship with China, yet no specific information about the current state of multilateralism or multipolarity was provided.
In summary, the "midlife crisis" analogy captures the EU-China relationship's current impasse, where both parties recognize the necessity of continuing engagement but face significant obstacles to cooperation. The summit, therefore, was more about managing appearances and damage control than achieving substantive breakthroughs [1][2].
References: [1] The Guardian. (2021, April 16). EU-China summit: Brussels and Beijing clash over trade and human rights. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/16/eu-china-summit-brussels-and-beijing-clash-over-trade-and-human-rights [2] Reuters. (2021, April 16). EU-China summit: Both sides air grievances, but no breakthroughs. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/eu/eu-china-summit-both-sides-air-grievances-but-no-breakthroughs-2021-04-16/
Diplomacy during the summit was primarily focused on managing appearances and addressing grievances rather than achieving substantial policy-and-legislation breakthroughs in the arts, politics, or general news sectors. The EU's policy-and-legislation disagreements with China are not confined to trade tensions, as highlighted by ongoing policy disputes between Beijing and Brussels.
