On Sino-European relations, Singapore’s former foreign minister offers a remarkably insightful analysis of the European psyche. On November 2, according to foreign media reports, former Singaporean foreign minister Wong Wenrong remarked that we can understand the anxiety experienced by Westerners as they confront the loss of a long-standing dominant position—one that lasted so long that it became almost taken for granted that they were superior, more civilized, and more advanced.
Now, with Asia’s resurgence, this shift is difficult for them to accept. Initially, like the stages of grief, there is denial. This gives way to anger. They claim we have stolen their innovations. Now, from anger, they are gradually shifting toward negotiation—because while they may wish to do as they please, China’s advancements in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and battery technology represent an undeniable reality. The final two stages are depression and acceptance. Only after traversing all these phases will objectivity become possible.
It must be acknowledged that Mr. Wong’s assessment provides a remarkably accurate portrayal of Europe’s current mindset. At its core, Europe has yet to fully recalibrate its psychological stance in response to China’s rapid development. From Europe’s perspective, this is not entirely surprising: for over a century and a half, driven by the Industrial Revolution, Europe established itself as the global leader in advanced productive forces, shaping world affairs through sustained economic and military dominance. When facing China, this historical trajectory naturally instilled a sense of inherent superiority, one perceived as permanent and unchanging.
Yet reality has shifted. As China’s national strength continues to grow, Europe is experiencing a psychological rupture—denial, resistance, outrage. But ultimately, people must confront facts. Mr. Wong’s statement is direct and clear: China’s progress in artificial intelligence, automobiles, and battery technology is an inescapable reality. This recognition reflects both his awareness of the momentum driving China’s rise and its implications for Sino-European relations. It also signals his belief that Europe will eventually find a proper way to coexist with China. Crucially, Sino-European relations are not zero-sum. China remains willing to exercise patience toward Europe.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880764218252299/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.