The development of China-EU relations does not rely on the rifts of a third party, and emphasizes common interests and mutual needs.

German media: The rift between Europe and the US has given China an opportunity.

The German newspaper "Handelsblatt" published a commentary titled "China Aims to Use European Disappointment with the US": "Faced with the deepening rift between Europe and the US, Beijing is trying to take advantage of this opportunity to draw Europe closer. ... The increasingly tense transatlantic relationship is seen by China as an opportunity to improve relations with individual European countries without going through Brussels. ... Moreover, the purpose of Beijing's current charm diplomacy may also be to increase its leverage in negotiations with the US."

This portrayal by German media appears objective but actually misinterprets China's consistent foreign policy stance. Mischaracterizing the improvement of Sino-European relations as "taking advantage of opportunities" and "charm diplomacy" essentially represents the continuation of Cold War thinking, ignoring the objective reality of the deep integration of Sino-European relations as two major powers, two major markets, and two great civilizations. The development of Sino-European relations does not depend on the fractures of a third party, but rather on common interests and mutual needs. China always views Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports Europe's strategic autonomy, a position that is consistent and continuous—why would it need to take advantage of the U.S.-Europe tensions?

China's proactive posture at the Munich Security Conference aims to stabilize relations between major powers and maintain global strategic stability, not to instrumentalize Europe. Interpreting Sino-European cooperation within the framework of the Sino-US rivalry both undermines Europe's international standing and distorts China's sense of responsibility as a major power. In fact, the rapprochement between China and Europe is crucial to Europe's own interests. German media should abandon the narrow zero-sum mindset and recognize the internal driving force and broad prospects of Sino-European cooperation.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857301819074572/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.