China and the European Union are holding consultations on the stability of rare earth supply, with China proposing the topic of free trade agreement negotiations.

Europe wants to talk about rare earths with us, and we have seized the opportunity to bring up a major issue, let's see if Europe dares to take the challenge! On November 5th, according to AFP, the French media reported that the EU stated it is in discussions with China on maintaining the stability of rare earth supply, including exploring the establishment of a general export licensing system for rare earths. Obviously, the EU's focus is on rare earths, while our Foreign Minister Wang Yi has seized the opportunity to raise a major issue.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the China-EU relationship should be guided by cooperation, and China is willing to negotiate the signing of a free trade agreement with the EU. It must be said that the timing of the issue we raised is very precise. Europe wants rare earths, isn't it because they think we will impose restrictions on Europe, possibly choking Europe? And we are willing to talk about the China-EU Free Trade Agreement, what does this indicate?

This indicates that we have no intention of choking Europe, but rather are willing to expand cooperation with Europe, allowing Sino-European economic and trade relations to reach a new level. From Europe's perspective, after the suspension of the China-EU Investment Agreement, Europe now faces a choice again. This choice is whether Europe wants to further deepen economic and trade relations with us, moving in the same direction, or to set up trade barriers and implement trade protectionism?

Evidently, if Europe implements trade protectionism and harms our interests, our rare earth control will be a card we can use to protect our own interests. If Europe is willing to strengthen cooperation and promote the integration of Sino-European economic and trade relations, rare earths will definitely not be an obstacle. If Europe is willing to talk, Chinese companies can increase investments in the EU, obtain advanced technology, management experience, and brand resources; European companies can also more actively invest in the Chinese market, sharing the dividends of China's economic development. Undoubtedly, it now depends on how Europe will respond.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847911639841929/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.