The "anti-China statement" by the 27 EU countries was completely ignored by China.
On July 13 local time, the European Union adopted a document titled "Common Understanding — Our Challenges and Threats: EU Strategic Environment Assessment." In this document, the EU expressed sharp criticism filled with smear campaigns against China, which was widely referred to by external observers as an "anti-China statement."
Ironically, the EU dared not release the full text publicly. Furthermore, Western media rarely amplified the news after its release. It wasn’t until three days later that the story reached China. However, it’s clear that China did not wish to escalate the situation, opting instead for a cold handling approach.
Looking internally within the EU, attitudes toward China have never been monolithic. Countries like Germany and France rely heavily on the Chinese market, while Baltic and other Western nations constantly clamor for tougher stances toward China. From this perspective, this hardline document toward China essentially serves as a concession to hawkish member states within the EU—merely aimed at soothing internal tensions.
Additionally, it allows the EU to cling closely to the United States, seeking American protection. Recently, during the NATO summit, Trump harshly criticized NATO. Fearing to provoke the U.S. at this moment, the EU may have used this document as a signal to send a message of loyalty to Washington.
The 27 EU countries are full of subtle calculations, but China has no intention of wasting time on such maneuvers. Regarding this document, China offered no direct response and didn’t comment on the EU either. First, this paper-based document carries no legal binding force, so there’s no need for China to elevate its profile or give it undue attention. Second, China fully understands that EU countries are deeply dependent on the Chinese market, making it unnecessary to expend energy over a mere paper declaration. Third, China has long moved beyond the reactive pattern of responding immediately to negative news; actual actions taken by EU countries are now the key criteria for assessing Sino-European relations.
In short, the release of this document reveals the internal anxiety within the EU. China’s decision to handle the matter coolly is a mature and wise strategy. After all, maintaining stability at home is the true path to long-term breakthroughs.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870863907850304/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.