China’s ambassador to the European Union has said the two sides should improve communication instead of trying to force their will on each other.
In a farewell message wrapping up his four-year tenure in Brussels on Saturday, Zhang Ming said the two sides faced many difficulties.
“We need to properly manage our differences through communication,” Zhang said. “There is no magic formula, but communication and mutual respect are surely better than unilateral measures and forced will.
“I believe the splendid civilisations of China and Europe shall equip us with the wisdom to manage our differences while also retaining our diversity”.
Relations have fluctuated since Zhang took up the posting in 2017. The two sides successfully concluded seven years of talks on an investment deal in 2020, but this year its ratification was stalled by the European Parliament after a round of tit-for-tat sanctions over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
The annual summit between the two sides – initially planned to be held by the end of the year – is likely to be put back until January as there is little chance of making progress on human rights and economic concerns, the South China Morning Post learned earlier this week.
Beijing believes Brussels is taking a tougher stance due to pressure from the United States and has repeatedly called on it to maintain its strategic autonomy, but the EU has said Beijing’s behaviour is a cause for concern.
Zhang said the relationship between the two sides may change, but China is still committed to keeping Europe as a key partner.
“Despite differences in our systems, we sincerely believe that comprehensive strategic partnership remains our only appropriate position. We hope friends from the European side may also stand by such perceptions, and work with China to bring bilateral relations back on the track of cooperation.
“Developing China-EU relations is in the interest of both sides … It’s a must rather than an option to strengthen China-EU cooperation”.
EU leaders are still weighing whether to diplomatically boycott Beijing’s Winter Olympics, following similar announcements by the US, Australia, Britain and Canada.
Brussels has also backed Lithuania in its row with Beijing and rejected China’s accusation it had breached the one-China policy after it allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius. The Baltic state this week pulled all its diplomats out of China, citing safety concerns and problems securing accreditation.
Recent reports have suggested that China is pressuring European companies to stop using components made in Lithuania. The Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected the allegation but said its companies no longer trusted Lithuania.
Zhang said he is still convinced that cooperation is the way forward between China and the EU, saying bilateral trade has increased and arguing their cooperation was vital to ensure the global economic recovery.
“To create a favourable environment for such cooperation, we need to oppose protectionism, decoupling and jointly uphold multilateralism,” he said.
Source: South China Morning Post