The Sino-European relationship is one crucial part of international relations, particularly in consideration to the ups and downs as well as challenges the world is facing at the moment. Its changes and development will have a great impact on global politics and economy.
What characterized Sino-European relations this year? And in which direction will it develop next year? Feng Zhongping, Director of the Institute of European Studies under the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations voiced his views on Sino-European ties in 2008.
On new features of Sino-European relations in 2008
Frictions and disputes are the most striking features of Sino-European ties this year. Unlike the trade disputes in previous years, China and Europe had very restricted bilateral relations due to the Tibet issue and the Olympic torch relay this year.
On forging joint efforts in tackling global economic slowdown
While meeting with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso in October this year, president Hu made it clear that China was willing to strengthen cooperation and exchange with the EU in tackling the global financial turmoil and maintaining the stability of the international financial market.
It has been a general trend in past years for China and Europe to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy and trade. So far the bilateral ties have expanded to other sectors, including some projects that call for global cooperation.
The financial cooperation embodies new changes and new trends of development for Sino-European relations. There are two reasons for China and Europe to consolidate cooperation in fighting the financial crisis, namely, to stimulate economy and to carry out reform on international financial system.
China and Europe also need to conduct cooperation in a broader range of fields. Developed from an economic and trade tie 30 years ago, Sino-European cooperation now focuses mainly on international issues, such as regional and global hot topics. Additionally, China and Europe should launch joint efforts in handling problems that concern the interests of both sides, for example, energy, environment, climate change, war on terror and so on.
On the impact of French president’s meeting with Dalai Lama on Sino-European ties
China called off a summit with EU in protest against French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s meeting with Dalai Lama. The meeting is closely connected with the internal change of Europe and the change of its policies towards China, regarding China both as a partner and a competitor.
Right before assuming the office, Sarkozy said he would walk away from Chirac’s policy, which, in his word, attached too much importance to economic interests and less emphasis on western values. German Chancellor Angela Merkel had thought her predecessor’s policy towards China was too generous before she took office. The meeting with the Dalai Lama by French and German leaders demonstrated the change of their attitude towards China.
Sarkozy’s move chilled the friendly Sino-European cooperation and the mechanism of constructive dialogue. It not only harmed Sino-French ties but also Sino-European relations.
On disputes between China and Europe
As Sino-European cooperation intensifies, the disputes and friction also increase in number. Apart from values, China and Europe also have different opinions on the Tibet issue as well as the understanding of human rights and democracy.
However, both China and Europe can not afford to neglect the disputes in bilateral trade. Europe has mounted to China’s largest trading partner and EU replaced the US and Japan to be the largest importer of China-made commodities. Sharp increase in trade volume will inevitably trigger trade friction.
People in Europe benefited greatly from Sino-Europe trade. China’s large trading volume with Europe showed the Europeans had great demands and China-made commodities were of high quality and high price.
On the future of Sino-European ties
Both sides should put more effort on intelligence investment to avoid crisis and expand cooperation, particularly the mutual trust and cooperation on international issues.
In 2009, China and Europe should work out a solution that could solve all the disputes and bring Sino-European ties back on track.
By People's Daily Online
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