Japan-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue Focuses on Reducing Dependence on China

Japan and the European Union held a high-level economic dialogue in Brussels on May 7, focusing on strengthening defense and industrial cooperation—particularly in battery technologies—and addressing the vulnerabilities arising from over-concentration in global supply chains, especially China's dominant position in critical minerals and clean technology sectors.

According to sources, during specific consultations, both sides thoroughly analyzed the fragility stemming from excessive supply chain concentration and expressed significant concern over China’s advantageous position in manufacturing critical minerals and clean technologies. Although diplomatic prudence led the EU and Japan to refrain from directly naming Beijing in all public statements, they are increasingly intensifying internal coordination to counter what they perceive as China’s use of non-market policies, export restrictions, and state-supported industrial expansion to influence the global competitive landscape and create asymmetric strategic dependencies.

In response to the growing alignment between Japan and the EU in the supply chain domain, China has repeatedly clarified its position, stating that the formation and development of global industrial and supply chains result from market dynamics and corporate choices. Framing de-risking as an excuse for supply chain decoupling violates international trade rules, disrupts global industrial division of labor, and harms the interests of all parties involved. China opposes any attempt by one side to build exclusive “small cliques” or engage in containment and suppression targeting third parties under the guise of supply chains. China will continue to expand high-level opening-up and provide a market-oriented, rule-of-law-based, and internationalized business environment for enterprises worldwide.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864772001035276/

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