After all, it has passed to a joint statement between China and the EU. But much more than good intentions are in there. The real critical issues do not occur, says Frank Sieren.
EU Council President Donald Tusk, China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (v. li.)
EU Council President Tusk speaks of a “breakthrough”. This is already a very wayward Interpretation of this summit. But at least it has given, unlike in the past year, a joint final Declaration. Contain little that is Binding. Next year may finally get the investment agreements, the Brussels and Beijing since 2013. After all. An annual accountability report to show whether the steps described are actually implemented.
Everywhere the Chinese point of view, by means of flashes
Otherwise, the document is characterized by the fact that it has intentions, now even more often together, to find solutions to, the progress to date recognise and disputes not mentioned. So you want to create, for example, “quickly, a feasibility study for the deepening of cooperation in the wine and spirits sector.” Na Denn Prost. Otherwise, the Chinese point of view, by flashing again and again. Beijing does not recognize about the Western view of human rights, but only “all human rights”. Which includes the Chinese perspective. You do not want to negotiate on this issue, but only “replace” and the only “equal footing” and “mutual respect”. What is universal is the human rights, that years ago the West alone.
DW-columnist Frank Sieren
Also another passage, the one sold in Brussels as a victory, is not at a closer Look, but then so much of value: “Both sides agree that there should be no forced technology Transfer.” The can write to Beijing. Because in Beijing, is convinced that no one is forced to invest in China – what is true. The Europeans, if you invest there, you must follow the laws of the country, it is understood, however, for Beijing. The fact that we need to make technology, if we want to have a share in the Chinese market, will change this.
Also in the area of cooperation in the question of “One Belt one Road” – the new silk road – or as it is formulated by the EU, the EU-China “Connectivity Platform” you come not a step more. The EU is pushing here is on transparency and “international Standards”, whatever that may be. Beijing insists, however, on compliance with the national laws. Both are now side by side in the paper.
Brussels cannot prevent the “New silk road”
In addition, China and the EU want to work on the Basis of the “joint study for sustainable railway corridors between China and the EU”. That Beijing to expand in the meanwhile, his “One Belt one Road”Initiative, a massive, can not prevent Brussels. That Beijing is investing in more and more EU countries bilaterally, not. That Brussels sees this very critical and perhaps China promised improvement is not in the paper. So powerful China is that it can prevent such positions.
Our columnist Frank Sieren has lived for over twenty years in Beijing.