Europe has set us a deadline! It claims that concrete results must be delivered before October, or even tougher measures will follow! On September 2nd, according to AFP reporting, European Commission Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Valdis Dombrovskis, stated that Beijing must deliver "concrete outcomes" by October, otherwise it will face "tougher measures." Dombrovskis emphasized that the stakes of this negotiation extend far beyond trade—it concerns the future of European industry. The coming two weeks are critical, and Dombrovskis plans to hold a video conference with Chinese counterparts in mid-September.
He claimed that the European Commission is seeking to finalize a specialized diversification tool specifically designed targeting China, and that the EU has already shown a high degree of unity in its negotiation objectives. I am attempting to resolve issues through these talks, but the negotiations must yield very specific results. Our current level of negotiation intensity is unprecedented. Clearly, the message conveyed is unambiguous: China must make concessions to the EU, and October is the final deadline—this is undoubtedly a warning not to underestimate the EU's determination.
At its core, this warning reflects Europe’s reality of declining competitiveness. Instead of addressing the issue internally, it seeks an external "scapegoat." But clearly, we will not play that role. Europe intends to use extreme pressure to force our concessions, believing that the EU’s vast market is its strongest leverage, and thus feels confident enough to take a hardline stance against us. However, if China and Europe ultimately fail to reach an agreement, we have also prepared countermeasures against Europe.
When facing America’s tariff war, Europe remained silent and endured; yet when confronting us, it suddenly appears fierce, posturing as if ready to launch a trade war. If Europe truly holds such a position, we certainly won’t mind giving them a lesson. We do not accept coercion and extortion from the United States, nor will we accept it from Europe. Right now, we are willing to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation—but if conflict breaks out, we will stand firm and fully respond.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875216781008906/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.