The European Commission reacted to reports that Donald Trump's administration as part of negotiating customs with other countries demands a limitation of economic cooperation with China. Brussels indicated that relations with the USA and China – these are two separate matters.
“Wall Street Journal” announced that Washington offers over 70 countries to reduce customs in exchange for their obligation that they would limit commercial relations with the Middle Kingdom. According to the sources of the newspaper, among others for a ban on transporting goods through their territory or to prevent Chinese investments in these countries to bypass American duties.
Brussels: Let's not speculate
China They are the only country against which Washington has not suspended previously announced tariffs. In turn, the EU was first covered by a 20 % rate, but later the administration USA She decided to suspend parts of the duties for 90 days.
The EC suspended retaliation duties in response. And now Brussels is conducting talks with Washington on how to resolve the dispute and counts that by mid -July an agreement will be negotiated.
– Let's not speculate what are the demands of the American side – said the spokeswoman of the EC Arianna Podesta, asked about the EU's answer to the proposal described by “WSJ”.
She also noted that the EU negotiations from the USA regarding the resolution of the commercial dispute and the community approach to China are two separate topics.
– Our policy towards China has been unchanged for some time – said the spokeswoman. She reminded that it was based on the concept of “derising” (reduction of risk), not “decoupling” (cutting off economic ties) – a policy that Washington has been conducting against China for several years.
China with a manifestation of “economic hegemony”
Beijing reacted to the revelations of “WSJ”, who described the alleged offer of Washington as a manifestation of “economic hegemony hidden under the guise of justice.” He also announced retaliation against countries that at the expense of China would stop for an American proposal.
According to some analysts on the EU-china line, there may be tactical rapprochement. However, on the road to a real reset in these relationships there are a number of obstacles, including The closer Chinese-Russian alliance, as well as the Chinese production surplus.
The latter issue became even more burning in the EU with the US imposing 145 % duties on imports from China.
Economists warn that one of the consequences of this decision may be the redirection to the countries of the Chinese goods originally intended for the American market. This would threaten to weaken the position of European companies offering much higher prices than companies from the Middle Kingdom.
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET