EU and China strengthen cooperation to deal with the US

(CLO) As relations with the US face many challenges, the European Union (EU) and China are making efforts to increase trade cooperation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there was still room to expand trade relations and find a deal with China, even amid fierce geopolitical competition.

Ms Von der Leyen stressed that the EU will continue to minimise risks in economic relations with China but can also cooperate constructively for the common good.

"We can seek agreements that expand our trade and investment relationship. It is a thin line but it can bring a more balanced relationship with one of the world's largest economies," she told EU diplomats in Brussels.

The shift in stance comes as the US, under President Donald Trump, threatens to impose high tariffs on imports from China and the EU. If Washington pursues tough trade policies, the EU has pledged to retaliate.

Illustration: VCG

Meanwhile, China has also expressed its willingness to promote relations with the EU. The Chinese Foreign Ministry affirmed that Beijing attaches importance to its strategic relationship with Europe and wishes to cooperate to deal with "global challenges".

"The world is facing the risk of division, fragmentation and chaos," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stressed. "China-EU relations are more strategically important and have more global influence than ever before."

"China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and views Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner, an important and independent pillar in the multipolar world," Lin Jian stressed. "We hope the EU can become a cooperative partner that China can trust."

However, many diplomats warn that the EU is unlikely to separate itself from the US, especially as the bloc remains heavily dependent on Washington for military security. "Europe really has no other choice. The only solution now is to reach a short-term agreement with Trump and at the same time look for other strategic partners in the long term," said an EU official.

Hoai Phuong (according to SCMP, Politico, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-minh-chau-au-va-trung-quoc-muon-tang-cuong-hop-tac-de-doi-pho-voi-my-post333075.html