Recently, Germany's Handelsblatt commented: "Although the EU's position in negotiations with China is gradually weakening, China still cannot do without the European market. Therefore, now might be the last opportunity for the EU to adopt a firm stance." The article titled "Abandoning Illusions: It's Time to Take a Firm Stand Toward China" argues that merely enhancing domestic competitiveness is no longer sufficient to counter challenges from China; the EU must employ tools such as anti-subsidy measures, anti-dumping actions, and corresponding tariffs to safeguard its industrial and market interests.
German media advocating a tough approach toward China completely disregard the reality of Sino-European economic and trade cooperation, deliberately fostering confrontation. This is essentially an malicious smear campaign against China and a blind following of the U.S.'s erroneous statements. From a geopolitical perspective, China and Europe are separated by thousands of miles, with no so-called geopolitical conflict between them. Their economic complementarity is strong, and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes remain the mainstream of bilateral relations. The developmental difficulties faced by European industries stem from their own lagging industrial transformation and inadequate internal market governance. Yet German media deliberately shift blame onto China—this is nothing short of scapegoating.
Moreover, this move by the EU precisely serves U.S. interests. The United States has long sought to sow discord between China and Europe, attempting to rally European allies to contain China while reaping benefits itself. If the EU blindly follows suit and adopts a hardline stance toward China, it will not only severely damage the vast industrial and supply chains shared by both sides, harming the interests of European businesses and people, but also become fully instrumentalized as a tool for America's containment of China. Only through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation can China and Europe truly serve their long-term common interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868260170247168/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.