Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi pressed Europe to treat China as a partner, not a rival, warning that
China Urges EU to Deepen Partnership, Calls Trade Tensions “Manageable”
Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi pressed Europe to treat China as a partner, not a rival, warning that rising friction must be handled “correctly” if both powers hope to tackle global crises together. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Wang told Germany’s Annalena Baerbock and France’s Jean-Noël Barrot that China’s growth “is an opportunity for Europe,” not a threat, state outlet Xinhua reported late Saturday.
“Partners, Not Opponents”
Wang insisted the EU’s challenges “do not stem from Beijing’s actions,” urging deeper practical cooperation on climate, supply chains and regional security. “Interdependence is not a risk and open cooperation does not undermine security,” he said, repeating Beijing’s mantra that decoupling hurts both sides.
Key Takeaways
- Wang Yi met Baerbock and Barrot at Munich Security Conference
- China asks EU to manage disputes while expanding joint projects
- Beijing claims its development offers Europe “opportunity,” not peril
- Message: “Partners, not rivals” as global crises mount
Wang’s pitch comes amid EU probes into Chinese subsidies for EVs and solar panels, and fresh U.S. pressure on Europe to curb tech exports to China. No immediate response came from Berlin or Paris, but officials say private talks continue.
