China-Belgium. Photo: VCG
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander Decroo arrived in Beijing on Thursday to begin a two-day visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Descroux’s visit as the first European leader to be hosted by China in 2024 is seen as a continuation of frequent high-level exchanges between China and the EU from the previous year, and also marks the beginning of a series of new exchanges. It is seen as the beginning. We enter the new year with hopes for expanded cooperation and resolution of friction between China and the EU.
These frequent exchanges have contributed to positive momentum between the two countries, but the EU is being called upon to correct its misconceptions about China amid growing calls for “risk aversion” and trumpeting of divergence. Analysts say it is essential for the EU to adopt a more proactive approach to relations with China and increase its independence to avoid influence from outside, especially the United States, all of which will ultimately lead to said that it will contribute to further stabilizing relations between China and the EU. .
Cao Zhongming, China’s ambassador to Belgium, said in an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Thursday that Decroo is the first Belgian prime minister to visit China in eight years and will also be the first European leader to be welcomed by China in 2024. He said there is. The leaders’ visit reflects the importance that the two countries attach to strengthening bilateral relations and is important in further promoting the all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation between China and Belgium.
Mr. Cao said that during Mr. Decroux’s visit, the two countries held in-depth discussions on China-Belgium relations, trade and investment, clarified a new direction for the development of bilateral relations, and sought practical cooperation in various fields. He explained that he will explore new prospects for the future.
Mr. Cao said the two countries also plan to exchange views on international and regional issues of mutual interest to jointly seek solutions to a series of important challenges in the current escalating international situation. He said there is.
De Croo will be accompanied on his visit by a number of Belgian entrepreneurs, including industry leaders such as Solvay and Bekaert.
“We believe they will make the most of the opportunity of their high-level visit to engage in deep interactions and cooperative discussions with Chinese officials and the Chinese government.” [Chinese] “The business community aims to inject new impetus into bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation,” Cao said.
Mr de Croo’s visit follows the visits to China by European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who attended the 24th China-EU Summit in December 2023. It was conducted. Chinese analysts expressed optimism that exchanges between the leaders were good. The relationship between the two countries could guide future relations and also encourage Belgium to play a constructive role in China-EU relations.
Exchanges between China and the EU will increase further. For example, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning announced Thursday that Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 2024 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and make an official visit to Switzerland and Ireland from January 14 to 17.
Additionally, 2024 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China, and it is expected that exchanges will take place at various levels.
Aiming to expand consensus
China’s relations with Belgium and the EU have soured in recent years due to misperceptions about China and pressure from the United States. Zhao Junjie, a researcher at the European Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said De Croo’s visit in early 2024 will help put China-Belgium relations back on the right track and strengthen China-EU ties. He said he was deaf. he told the Global Times on Thursday. Trade between China and Belgium, which has slowed in recent years, could also accelerate. Mr. Zhao expressed hope for China-Belgium cooperation in biologics, new energy, and digital business.
In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Belgium, taking bilateral relations to a new level. In the past 10 years, China-Belgium relations have experienced some changes, and the time has come to explore new positions and new areas of cooperation, says Professor, Institute of Regional and Global Governance, Beijing Foreign Studies University. Mr. Choi Hong-ken said. Thursday’s Global Times.
Furthermore, with Belgium taking over as President of the Council of the European Union, Mr. Descroux has been tasked with strengthening communication between China and the EU, and has been tasked with liaising with Chinese leaders, particularly regarding the recent friction over electric vehicles. This could lead to trade talks. Mr. Cui from China pointed out that trade exchanges between China and Belgium are complementary and Belgium can also play an active role during the current trade tensions.
In October 2023, the European Commission launched an investigation into subsidized battery electric vehicles (EVs) from China. In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, China’s special envoy to the EU Hu Cong expressed China’s concerns about the EU’s “risk aversion” and restrictive economic and trade policies, including the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. he said.
Fu also called on the EU to maintain open trade and investment markets and provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.
Cui noted that dealing with friction over EVs is a challenge for China-EU relations, but if handled properly, it could serve as an example for the two countries to resolve other disputes. However, if this is not addressed, it will lead to further restrictions on trade and business between the two countries, impacting the political and diplomatic spheres.
China and the EU have maintained frequent exchanges since 2023 and will continue in 2024, but some European politicians are emphasizing ideological differences over cooperation and insisting on “risk aversion” with China. Bilateral relations face many challenges, including the insistence on Hype the Chinese threat.
Recently, some media outlets have been hyping the so-called Chinese infiltration into Belgium, spreading suspicions that the Chinese government has “recruited” members of the Belgian far-right party Vlaams Belang as intelligence agents.
These allegations also show the complexity of relations between China and Belgium, as well as between China and the EU, Cui said. He noted that viewing China as a partner, competitor and rival seems to be the new normal for some European politicians.
When we think it is beneficial to cooperate with China, we treat China as a partner, but when ideological or political considerations outweigh that, we say unkind things to China to suit the political environment, Choi said. said.
To promote the further development of China-EU relations, we must not only promote realistic development with common interests, but also dispel misconceptions, change misperceptions about China, and avoid being influenced by other countries. must be avoided, Choi said.
Analysts said that relations between China and the EU should go beyond mere competition and conflict, and prioritize cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes. The key element is to maintain a rational attitude and adopt a comprehensive perspective on China-EU relations. The EU should also strengthen its interdependence and conduct diplomacy based on its own interests.