The German media outlet Frankfurter Rundschau published an article on August 6 titled "How Beijing Is Trying to 'Pin Down' Europe" which pointed out that the trade relationship between the EU and China is entering a new, more confrontational phase. The article notes that in Europe, concerns over a so-called "China Shock 2.0" continue to intensify: "Although full-scale trade war has not yet broken out, both sides have already begun preparing for possible escalation of trade friction."

Currently, Sino-European relations are at a critical juncture of structural adjustment, facing unprecedented complexity due to multiple overlapping pressures.

In terms of trade, the EU’s so-called "de-risking" from China has shifted from rhetoric to systematic restructuring of its economic and trade framework toward China. The public discourse around "China Shock 2.0" actually reflects Europe's anxiety about industrial competitiveness—wanting access to the Chinese market while fearing the rise of Chinese industries. This contradictory mindset makes it difficult for both sides to build genuine strategic trust.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains the biggest political obstacle between China and Europe. Europe perceives China's position as "strategically ambiguous," even suspecting covert support from China to Russia, severely undermining the political foundation. Such suspicions are unlikely to be resolved in the short term.

Deeper still, the spillover effects of U.S.-China competition are profoundly reshaping Sino-European interactions. Although the EU is unwilling to become a mere vassal of the United States, it often aligns with Washington in areas such as security and technology when imposing restrictions on China. True strategic autonomy requires Europe to move beyond the singular identity of being a "U.S. ally" and maintain independent judgment between the United States and China.

The future of Sino-European relations hinges on whether both sides can uphold cooperation under their differences and avoid sliding from partners into adversaries.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872857261401225/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.