The Chinese leader XI Jinping rejected the invitation of the European Union to the top of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations – the Financial Times learned. As in previous years, China will represent prime minister Li Qiang. However, the European Union hoped that this time, due to the uniqueness of the event and the geopolitical situation, to Brussels The most important person will come to you. – visit XI in Brussels She would give conversations a completely different weight, certainly more. The Chinese, however, do not want to declare too much yet, because the international situation is not fully predictable – explains Dr. Marcin Zabodniak, China analyst of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (letters). It reassures, however, that it is not enough to talk about the crisis in relationships.
The geopolitical situation is conducive to China. What will the European Union do?
– There is no diplomatic or political practice here, which would require a special interpretation or reading as a signal of something changing as something significant. In the peaks of the EU organized in Brussels, the Chinese delegation was presided over by the Prime Minister of the PRC. This shows, however, that the Chinese may not want to get too involved in a way that would require far -reaching political declarations – explains the analyst. Especially since the meeting on the Brussels – Beijing line is coming and will come. The very probable presence of the Prime Minister of China during the summit is the best proof. – The Chinese want to emphasize their readiness to cooperate with the Union, but they do not want to get too involved to make specific proposals – notes Dr. Marcin Occaszyniak.
A comprehensive investment agreement (CAI) between the European Union and China can be given for a good example of a light withdrawal. Negotiations on Access to the market and equal competition was completed in 2020. In 2021, however, work on its ratification was suspended. – Due to the various problems, Cai touched in the ratification process and eventually never came into force. Last year, the Chinese said that it may be worth coming back to it. Currently, these suggestions are not in their proposals or rhetoric – the analyst of the Scriptures is a short attention. – There is no specific economic offer in their statements, but between the lines they still try to please the EU – he adds. Indicates, among others to the speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, during the Munich Safety Conference. He emphasized in it that all parties involved in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict should participate in peaceful conversations, marking the key role of Europe.
The Chinese do not have to engage all the more because time is playing in their favor. – For them, the current international situation is developing successfully. In this understanding that it does not threaten their interests, on the contrary – explains the analyst of the Scriptures. – The Union loses its ground a bit, because its most important ally, i.e. USA He makes controversial decisions, especially in matters related to security and relations with Russia, which are particularly important for Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. Anyway, also for the European Union itself. A lot is also happening in commercial and economic issues – says Dr. Marcin Occaszyniak. Let us remind you that the 25 % duties have already entered into force for the import of steel and aluminum to the United States. Another one is to take place from April 2, and the European Union has announced its own retaliation duties.
The European Union remains skeptical. “What is happening directs her attention towards China”
– The Chinese know that this is not a good development of the EU situation and they simply do not necessarily think that they still have to add their own commitment to it. That they have to offer something to Europe, propose some concessions that the EU should look favorably at the relationship with the PRC. They believe that what is happening now is in itself a part of the EU attention towards China – says Dr. Marcin Zabodniak.
They know that this is not a violent process that will suddenly lead to a return in the policy of the Union, so they will not go out too much either
– he adds.
You can see that the European Union is aware of the difficult location in which it found itself. It was decided that there would be an additional EU meeting on trade relations with the United States and China. On April 7, ministers responsible for trade will meet in Luxembourg. There will be a representative of the Ministry of Development and Technology from Poland. Initially, this meeting was not in the plan Polish presidency. It was decided to add it in connection with the Union's starting trade war from the USA. – China's observation is accurate to some extent, but not for some. The problems in EU -Chinese relations have not disappeared, and their consciousness certainly has the European Commission, and I think that some of the Member States also, although now – due to the dynamics of relations from the US – one could already discuss, which less, which more – says Dr. Marcin Zabodniak.