China

Sierens China: the cards on the table

The most important result of the EU-China summit: The differences are clearer than ever, and mechanisms have been agreed upon, to discuss the differences. The ratio, however, remains difficult, says Frank Sieren.

The final declarations according to the EU-China summit, listened to, as if the Chinese and the Europeans were on different events. This is usually not a good sign. The most important three points for the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, are in order: first, a common world with a common set of rules – but you have “differences, what this means in practice”. Secondly, we have agreed to talk to the G-20 summit in early September in Hangzhou, on the topic of Migration.

And thirdly, you have agreed to a new round of human rights dialogue. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stated, then, what are the problems the Europeans with the joint global game: Yes, the EU on the international obligations, “that is, without a doubt.” But there is a clear connection between “the Overcapacity in the Chinese steel industry and the market economy status”.

Agree that you are not in agreement

This connection to deny the Chinese. And Beijing, also takes quite true that Brussels speaks in a less authoritative Tone than the German Chancellor Angela Merkel prior to a good four weeks in Beijing. Germany, remember, “very good” to the time Commitments and she didn’t want to question it, has stressed the Chancellor at the time. Search now to Because of, “the WTO-bring compliant solutions, and also the economic problem”.

Frank Sieren has been living for 20 years in Beijing

Beijing and Brussels are mainly in agreement, that you are not in agreement. Junker speaks of Brussels, 20. July will result in an “orientation debate”. Brussels is once again early. Premier Li Keqiang, however, is already a step further. He proposes a joint body to discuss steel issues. The market economy status of China, under the WTO agreement are entitled to the end of the year, is not part of his opinion, however, on the Agenda.

Direct talks is more important than ever

At the same time, Premier Li proposes a “China-EU Agenda-2020” for a strategic cooperation in order to deepen the economic relations between the EU and China. This is in view of the weak world economic situation is very important. And so it is not surprising that the Chinese currently have no desire to fill the Juncker-infrastructure Fund with Chinese money. And, although it Belt definitely overlaps between the funds and the “One, One Road”project, the “New silk road”, the structure of China’s state and party chief Xi Jinping is very important. In the run-up to Brussels had hoped that Beijing would contribute in a first step, two billion euros to the Fund.

It is so obvious that rare summit meeting between the EU and China are so important in these days. Now the phone no longer talks. Now you have to look yourself in the eye when it comes to the major critical issues. The summit was the first Meeting of European and Chinese political leaders since the British exit referendum. Li introduced, although clear, whether the UK is an EU member or not, will the both to the British-Chinese as well as European-Chinese relations, little to nothing will change. Because the EU is China’s largest trading partner. And China is the second largest trading partner of the EU after the USA. China and the EU trade every day with goods to the value of one billion euros.

Balance of power after Brexit moved

However, you have noticed at this summit that the balance of power in the EU is not in favor of China has moved since the opinion of the British In Brussels is nothing more value. They had been more inclined to put in a good word for Beijing to appeal. China is, after all, by far the largest Investor in the United Kingdom. Also, the debate about the market economy status without the British, not easier. Especially for Merkel, it is now more difficult, a credible mediator to play a role in the EU.

DW-columnist Frank Sieren has been living for 20 years in Beijing.