Recently, the international community has been full of jokes. The EU, which is still struggling in an economic quagmire, is shouting that now is the perfect time to confront China head-on. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has already made it clear, but is Europe still not understanding?

Hamburg Port, Germany

Recently, the EU's official think tank, the "European Security Institute," released a report. The core strategy proposed in this report is called "lever diplomacy." In plain terms, it means using Europe's market advantages to "weaponize" economic relations and force China to make concessions. Moreover, the report also put forward many suggestions that have left the international community laughing and crying.

For example, continuing to impose restrictions on China in high-tech fields and not selling key technologies; reducing reliance on Chinese manufacturing, especially critical minerals and new energy products; and if China does not cooperate, directly closing the doors of the EU and preventing Chinese products from entering the European market. The most ridiculous part of the report is that it claims China's economy is now "fragile," making it the perfect time for Europe to conduct "hardline negotiations" with China.

The reason given in the report is that by 2025, China's GDP will exceed 140 trillion yuan, growing only 5%, a smaller number compared to previous years. However, this number is much higher than the global average. Moreover, according to the EU Commission's own forecast, the EU's economic growth in 2025 will be only 1.4%, and it could fall into recession if not careful.

Merkel in China

It is worth mentioning that China's economic growth should not be judged solely by speed but also by quality. In 2025, China's high-tech manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, new energy vehicles, and chip production are all developing rapidly. Is this considered "fragile"? Is this seen as a sign of weak growth? Is this something that needs to be "pressured"?

Looking at the EU, slow economic growth is not worth mentioning. It has a lot of internal problems. Germany, the "engine of Europe," had zero growth in the third quarter of 2025, as did Italy. France was slightly better, with a growth of 0.5%. This 1.4% figure is maintained by a few small countries. Instead of shouting at China, Europe should focus on handling its own affairs first.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi

What's even more amusing is that the report contradicts itself. On one hand, it promotes the idea that China's economy is "fragile" and faces various challenges; on the other hand, it warns that China's "manufacturing dominance" and "innovation lock-in" may threaten the EU. This is strange. If China's economy is truly so "fragile," where does the "dominance" come from? Where does the ability to "threaten" Europe come from?

This contradictory logic can only indicate one thing: the people who wrote the report are not basing their analysis on facts, but rather on prejudice. They first assume that "China is a threat," then look for evidence. If they can't find it, they exaggerate; if they can't exaggerate, they fabricate it. However, although the report was written, whether it can be implemented is another matter.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

In recent months, many EU leaders have visited China in turn, signing a series of cooperation agreements. After German Chancellor Merkel returned, German media directly stated that Europe has fallen behind and needs to catch up quickly. Even though some countries within the EU have hostile attitudes toward China, some Nordic and Southern European countries heavily rely on the Chinese market and do not want to get involved in this conflict.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi clearly expressed his stance at a press conference during the Two Sessions, stating that the future of Sino-European relations depends on whether Europe establishes a correct perception of China. His implication is clear: don't see China as an enemy, and don't overestimate yourself. If you keep looking at old records and try to confront China head-on, open your eyes, the world has changed a lot already.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/7615900877560119817/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.