【By Zhang Jingjuan, Observer News】The trade agreement reached between the US and Europe on the 21st contains a lot of key information. The EU plans to spend 40 billion dollars to purchase AI chips from the United States, and it will also follow so-called "technology leakage prevention" standards. Behind these operations, the intention to target so-called "third countries" is already clear as day.

Hong Kong English media South China Morning Post reported that the US and Europe have issued joint statements, stating that they have reached an agreement on the framework of a trade agreement. The details of the agreement show that the EU's positions in technology, security, and business are increasingly close to those of the United States, which may further exacerbate the rift between Europe and China.

According to the joint statement, the EU not only accepts the 15% tariff imposed by the United States on 70% of its exports to the US, but also voluntarily relaxes environmental protection regulations, removes tariffs on all American industrial products, and opens the door for American seafood and agricultural products, including nuts, dairy products, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed foods, seeds, soybean oil, and meat products, providing preferential market access.

According to the report, although the EU said that this joint statement covering 19 points is just a "framework" toward a more comprehensive trade agreement, and the full text does not mention the word "China," there is a clear intent against China in the words.

The statement says that the EU has committed to purchasing at least 40 billion dollars worth of American AI chips for the construction of European data centers, and will adopt American safety standards to "prevent the technology from leaking to places of concern."

Previously, although the United States revoked restrictions from the Biden administration that limited some EU member states from purchasing American AI chips, according to the statement, its desire to control the final destination of chips has not diminished at all.

At a press conference in Brussels, EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic (Maros Sefcovic) made a statement that was even more revealing.

Sefcovic repeated the US requirements, saying that it is necessary to ensure that AI chips entering Europe do not get transferred to other places, but remain locally to promote the economic development of Europe. Sefcovic also beautified this practice as a "standard process when dealing with sensitive technologies."

He said, "It is important to gain access to these advanced technologies," and using the excuse of complying with both sides' so-called "security requirements," ensuring that sensitive technologies do not fall into the hands of those they define as "the wrong people."

On July 27, 2025, in Tambellup, Scotland, US President Trump met with EU Commission President von der Leyen. IC photo

The statement also shows that the US and Europe are restarting economic security cooperation, including "cooperation" in bilateral investment reviews and export controls. South China Morning Post pointed out that this further indicates their plan to jointly block China.

Sefcovic also mentioned rare earths, saying that the shortage of rare earths and other key raw materials has affected EU companies.

China controls over 90% of the global processing capacity for rare earth magnets, a material essential for the automotive industry and indispensable in the fields of clean energy and household appliances.

In April this year, the Trump administration sparked trade friction by announcing "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese goods. In response to the Trump administration's "tariff punches," two days later, China introduced a series of measures to precisely counterattack, including additional tariffs, and implemented export controls on seven categories of heavy rare earth-related items, such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium.

However, Sefcovic used this to claim that China's move has made some EU member states feel the need to develop so-called "strong economic security policies."

He further stated, "From the reactions of member states this morning, they also have the willingness to cooperate more closely with NATO allies and the US in this area."

He also boasted to reporters that the US-EU trade agreement is "the most favorable trade agreement offered by the US to any partner," and added, "This is not the end. It is the beginning. This framework is the first step, which can develop over time, cover more industries, improve market access, and further strengthen our economic ties."

South China Morning Post pointed out that despite months of thinking about whether Europe should "de-Americanize" after the US president Trump dramatically undermined the transatlantic alliance, the conclusion of this agreement undoubtedly makes Europe's "strategic autonomy" an empty phrase.

According to the agreement, the EU has committed to purchasing American energy products, including liquefied natural gas, oil, and nuclear products, with expected purchases reaching 750 billion dollars by 2028. The statement expects that by 2028, European companies will make an additional 60 billion dollars in strategic investments in the United States. In addition, the EU plans to significantly increase the procurement of military and defense equipment from the United States.

The report said that if the agreement is implemented, this trade agreement could leave the EU deeply dependent on US technology and military support for many years to come.

Regarding the trade agreements the US has reached with other countries, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized its position. Spokesperson Mao Ning once stated at a regular press briefing that China has always advocated that all parties resolve trade disputes through equal dialogue and consultation, while relevant negotiations and agreements should not target or harm the interests of third parties.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7541239141108580890/

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