French media claim that China is a bigger problem compared to the United States! The China-EU summit is "destined to fail"! On July 18, the French weekly magazine "L'Express" published an article claiming that Sino-European relations are in crisis. This issue is crucial because although the unpredictability of the United States affects Europe's short- and medium-term growth, the Chinese issue touches the core of European industrial sovereignty.
French media claim that when Beijing controls the production of 70% of key materials globally, how can Europe achieve sustainable energy independence? How can Europe achieve sovereign decarbonization while relying on the clean technology supply chain of China? French media said that although the US has high tariffs, it is negotiable and temporary, while China is a bigger challenge. Therefore, French media conclude that the China-EU summit held a week later is "destined" to fail!
Evidently, from the tone of the French media, we can see very clearly that according to the French media, China is a more serious challenge facing Europe, and Europe should be more concerned about China rather than the United States. Why did the French media come to this conclusion? One word: because China's industrial capacity is too strong. Faced with our increasingly strong industrial competitive ability, the French media have invented a new term, which is called "industrial sovereignty"!
When China could only produce mid-to-low-end products, Europe never talked about the issue of industrial sovereignty. Not only did they not mention this concept, but they even asked us to open our doors further, allowing European products to enter the Chinese market. Now? Europe obviously wants to close its doors, destroy free trade, and protect its backward industries. Whether it is 70% of key material production or China's clean energy technology, these are the results of China's step-by-step development and innovation.
Has China prevented Europe from developing key raw materials? Has China forbidden Europe from inventing clean energy technology? High-end chips and high-tech are almost completely monopolized by the West, and the French media take it for granted. When China's industry gains a stronger competitive advantage, the French media feel uncomfortable. What standard is this? We hope to move towards cooperation with Europe and also hope to cooperate with Europe. But if Europe continues to decouple and cut off the supply chain economically, we will only deal with Europe in an equal manner. As for the outcome of the China-EU summit, it depends on whether Europe wants to cooperate or not.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837947917221962/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.