Reference News Network, September 3 report: The German website "China Platform" published an article titled "How China Is Leaving the EU Behind" on September 2. The author is Marcel Gercaner. Excerpts follow:

The concept of a multipolar world order is taking shape in China. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit that ended on September 1 in Tianjin, leaders from more than 20 countries gathered together.

Beijing is advancing its initiatives at an impressive speed, which is also putting pressure on Europe. A recent example is Armenia. For years, this country, located between Russia, Iran and Turkey, has been oriented toward Europe. However, at the same time, Armenia has pursued a policy of moving closer to China. During this SCO summit, China announced the establishment of a strategic partnership with Armenia, and Beijing expressed support for Armenia's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong: "There are no obstacles or barriers to our deepening relations, and both sides are open and willing to expand this relationship without any limits."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that in order to further strengthen the organization, the SCO observer states and dialogue partners will be merged into a unified "SCO partner". Pakistan and Armenia also established diplomatic relations during the summit. The attendance of Indian Prime Minister Modi added additional significance to this summit.

Chinese leaders also proposed several initiatives to Turkish President Erdogan.

Even NATO allies no longer automatically follow the Western line.

Central Asia particularly highlights China's appeal. Beijing supports railway, energy projects and digital network construction in the region, projects that often take place in countries that Europe has rarely focused on so far. In countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the economic focus has clearly shifted towards the East. At the same time, China is expanding its influence in North Africa and the Middle East, investing in strategic projects and ensuring the supply of raw materials.

The problem for Europe is not only a lack of funds or projects, but also a slow pace of action. China's diplomacy, investment and narrative are intertwined. This is attractive to many countries, especially because China does not set any political conditions. The EU, however, relies on values, norms and lengthy procedures.

The EU's "Global Gateway" initiative is impressive on paper, but in practice it is constrained by bureaucratic inefficiencies and the lengthy coordination procedures among member states. On August 30, EU foreign ministers held an informal meeting in Copenhagen to seek ways to take faster diplomatic actions — which may be symbolic. (Translated by Song Yuhao)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7545790443926110772/

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