Responding to the language coming out of the EU in recent months, which has repeatedly referred to China as a systemic rival, China’s ambassador to the European Union, Zhang Ming, said on Wednesday 27 January that the two sides were, more than anything, strategic partners and not systemic rivals.
“Dialogue and cooperation have always been at the heart of our bilateral relations”, he added, speaking at an event organised by Friends of Europe.
He also called on the public in general to view China differently. “It is unacceptable to see the attacks on China and the discrediting of China that is based on lies”, he said.
His country is regularly portrayed in the media and in political discourse as an actor that is far removed from European standards, which they need to be wary of. Recent speeches given by MEPs on the link between respect for human rights and the signing of bilateral trade agreements have reinforced this idea (see EUROPE 12638/19).
“We listen and receive constructive criticism”, the ambassador added, continuing to promote dialogue and cooperation. “I hope that our European friends will be able to take into account China’s history and culture and view it objectively, in a reasonable light. We must bear in mind the importance of cooperation”.
When asked specifically about the China Investment Agreement (CAI), Zhang Ming echoed the words of Chinese President Xi Jinping, reiterating that the agreement would open up the market and improve the commercial environment. In his view, this new relationship will be more important than ever for global economic recovery, given China’s place in the global economy. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)