The
EU and China have their annual summit in Brussels today. The preparatory work has
shown that Europe is now prepared to have a firmer position in matters of
trade, investment and protection of industrial patents and copyrights. That is
the right approach for the economic relations between both sides. Beijing might
not like it, but they understand the rationale behind the European position.
They fight for their interests, and we should fight for ours. That is the only
basis for a sound relationship between two major international players.
When
dealing with China, the EU must remain united around the principles of reciprocity,
fair competition, and respect for the natural environment.
The
Europeans have also to consider that we are dealing with State capitalism at
its strongest form. Behind each big corporation, there is the Communist leadership
of China and their concern with their own survival as a regime. For that, they
need to expand the Chinese economic interests abroad, control new sources of
wealth in foreign lands, and bring back prosperity to the people of China.
Europe is a special land of business opportunities, an attractive economic
space for big investments. That’s fine, if the basic international rules are
respected and the link between each side is open to accept traffic on both
directions.
Above
all, the Europeans must keep in mind issues of national security. As far as we
are concerned, China is a partner with greater potential for business but is
also a first-grade geostrategic player. We must be able to keep our strategic
sectors under our own control. That will contribute in no small manner to
balance the geopolitical power of our Chinese neighbours. The world needs our
contribution to the balance. Europe’s big challenge, in this area, is to remain
a strong pillar of international wisdom.
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