China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, gave a speech in Brussels outlining his vision for relations between the EU and China. His speech centred around three main questions to which he offered answers and provided statistics around the depth and strength of cooperation between the two major world powers.
The three questions
Wang said that while the EU's attitude to China has been largely positive, there are "divergent views" across the EU's 28 members, which he indicated are often driven by different perspectives around three main questions:
Is China a developing or developed country?
Wang put forward an analogy with 100-meter sprint to illustrate the position of China, which he said is achieving in decades what other nations took centuries to bring about. Suggesting that China immediately be considered at the same level as developed countries is irrational, he suggested.
"An early starter, who is already 50 meters ahead, asks to have a fair race with his fellow contestant, who is still standing at the starting line. Apparently, such a demand does not make any sense. Naturally, if it's in a much longer marathon, then the late-comer may stand a chance of catching up by running really fast," he said.
Is China a partner or a rival?
Wang highlighted the depth of the economic ties between the two and China's commitment to following the same international rules as Europe.
"Any cool-headed person with an objective view will see that, for China and the EU, cooperation far outweighs competition, and our areas of consensus far exceed differences. We are partners, not rivals," he concluded.
Is China a friend for harmonious coexistence or a threat in a zero-sum game?
China and the EU have much in common, but also contrasting backgrounds, Wang said. He urged Europeans to respect the achievements of China.
"China and the EU do have different social systems, development paths, values and concepts. Yet such differences should not become obstacles in our exchanges and cooperation. Still less should they justify taking the other as a threat, interfering in others' affairs or even seeking to remould others in one's own image," he noted.
China's asks from the EU
Wang urged Europe to:
Keep a level playing field for Chinese companies especially by "making well informed and independent judgment on 5G issues."
Collaborate on green growth, renewable energy and the circular economy
Uphold the international, rules-based, multilateral system based around the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other bodies.
Work on starting talks towards a Free Trade Agreement
Collaborate on counter-terrorism, de-radicalization and political settlement of international crises
Create common standards for Artificial Intelligence, data security and other technology