China and EU Urged to Counter Tariff Abuse
The recent visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to three European countries once again demonstrated positive interaction between China and the continent, observers stated, confirming the importance of maintaining ties and exchanges to mitigate disagreements.
On Tuesday, Wang concluded his visit to Austria, Slovenia, and Poland, which, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, strengthened China’s traditional friendship with these countries and reinforced consensus on deepening bilateral cooperation, as well as jointly promoting development and safeguarding peace.
His previous trip to Europe in early July took him to Germany and France, as well as to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The tone of Wang’s latest tour was positive, as it aimed to resume institutional exchanges with European countries to further strengthen ties, analysts said, adding that the visit also holds significance for the overall development of China-Europe relations.
This visit reflects China’s efforts to establish a more comprehensive diplomatic presence in Europe, as both sides mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
During his five-day visit, Wang reiterated that China and Europe should be partners, not rivals, and should strive for cooperation, not confrontation. He expressed hope that Austria, Slovenia, and Poland would play a positive role in promoting an objective and rational understanding of China within the EU.
Wang also called on both sides to jointly counter the abuse of tariffs.
Mutual perception is the foundation and prerequisite for constructive interaction between China and Europe.
However, in recent years, biased perceptions have hindered the stability of bilateral relations and cooperation. It was emphasized that if both sides do not communicate on the same wavelength, it will be difficult to reach consensus and translate it into coordinated policies and actions.
Therefore, each visit by Foreign Minister Wang to Europe, or every interaction between China and Europe, aims to change and strengthen correct mutual perceptions.
A significant number of European countries take a pragmatic approach to their relations with China. Despite political differences, they still recognize common interests and are willing to continue trade cooperation.
The emphasis on partnership and cooperation is intended to dispel a growing misconception in Europe that China is its «systemic rival.»
In the view of experts, China and Europe have opportunities to oppose trade protectionism, as well as to communicate and coordinate to address this issue.
China and Europe, as open economies dependent on external markets, share common interests. They should strengthen trade cooperation, not weaken trade and market links under the pretext of «de-risking,» and avoid politicizing security issues that could harm normal economic exchanges.
During his visit to Europe, Wang also highlighted the Global Governance Initiative, stating that China would like to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with all countries to build a more just and equitable global governance system.
China and Europe have reached consensus on supporting multilateralism and recognizing the central role of the United Nations in this regard, so they can continue to cooperate on reforming the UN to enhance its authority and effectiveness.
The two sides can also cooperate in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, health, and peacekeeping.
«China and Europe together can do much to advance multilateralism,» it was stated, adding that stronger coordination in global governance would not only serve their own interests but also contribute to international stability.
Related News
Austria
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, historically the heart of the powerful Habsburg monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, it is a federal republic renowned for its Alpine landscapes, classical music heritage (home to composers like Mozart and Strauss), and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a small Central European country with a rich history shaped by its location at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin, and Slavic cultures. Historically part of various empires, including the Habsburg Monarchy, it emerged as an independent nation after the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. Its cultural landscape is defined by its Alpine and Mediterranean geography, featuring landmarks like Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and the capital city of Ljubljana.
Poland
Poland is a Central European nation with a rich and complex history, marked by the establishment of a powerful medieval kingdom, its later partition and disappearance from the map for over a century, and its resilient 20th-century rebirth. Its cultural heritage is profoundly shaped by this history, visible in sites like the historic center of Kraków, the Warsaw Old Town (rebuilt after WWII), and the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial. Today, Poland is known for its preserved medieval architecture, vibrant folk traditions, and significant contributions to music, science, and literature.
Germany
Germany is a country in Central Europe with a rich and complex history, shaped by the Holy Roman Empire, the Protestant Reformation, and its unification in 1871. Its 20th-century history was defined by two World Wars, the division during the Cold War, and its peaceful reunification in 1990. Today, it is a leading economic and political power in the European Union, celebrated for its cultural contributions in philosophy, music, science, and its many historic castles, cathedrals, and memorials.
France
France is a Western European country with a rich and influential history, dating from Celtic and Roman settlements to its formation as a unified kingdom under the Capetian dynasty. It became a global center of art, philosophy, and politics, notably through the Enlightenment and the French Revolution of 1789, which profoundly shaped modern democratic ideals. Today, France is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and its enduring global impact on cuisine, fashion, and the arts.
European Union headquarters
The European Union’s primary headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, at the **Berlaymont building** and surrounding **European Quarter**. This site evolved as the EU’s central administrative hub from the 1960s onward, following Brussels’ selection as a compromise between larger member states. Today, it houses the European Commission and the Council of the EU, serving as the focal point for EU policy-making and administration.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto administrative center of the European Union. Its history dates back to a 10th-century fortress settlement, and it grew into a major commercial hub during the medieval period, renowned for its Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, it is a vibrant, multilingual city known for its art nouveau architecture, international institutions, and cultural symbols like the Manneken Pis.
Belgium
Belgium is a Western European country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, particularly as a crossroads of European trade and conflict. Its history includes periods under various rulers like the Romans, Spanish, Burgundians, and Austrians before gaining independence in 1830. Today, it is famous for its medieval cities, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.
