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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the European Council President Charles Michel in Beijing on Thursday. 

In a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Xi told Michel that China will strengthen strategic communication and coordination with the European Union (EU), adding that he hoped "EU institutions and member states will establish an objective and correct perception of China."

"China will remain open to European companies, and hopes the EU can eliminate interference to provide a fair and transparent business environment for Chinese companies," Xi told Michel.

Michel is visiting Beijing upon special invitation from Xi. 

The EU appears eager to improve ties with China, while Brussels is beginning to realize that Europe relying too much on the U.S. and that could lead to perilous consequences for them.

Michel serves as the chair for the 27 heads of states for the European Union. His arrival to China comes with eager anticipation since the Eurozone economy is confronting major challenges in regards to energy shortages, high inflation rates and food insecurity.

As the Ukraine conflict looms large on the continent, the U.S.-led economic sanctions have severely impacted the Eurozone economy and China can play a more crucial role to help EU member states to push forward on an economic rebound to strengthen global supply chains, boost China-EU cross-border trade and investment ties and to seek a better balance in diplomatic relations between Beijing and Brussels.

Overcoming China-EU gaps

For the moment, U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration are taking steps to pursue a more confrontational stance against China as Washington recently passed laws to impose stricter controls over China's hi-tech exports and business dealings with U.S.-based and multinational chips and semiconductors’ companies. The U.S. aims to disrupt China's development in the science and technology fields.

Nonetheless, the European Union has been placed in the crosshairs over the U.S. efforts to curb China's rise. Many investors and companies from the European market have long enjoyed prosperous ties with China, while Europe and China are closely interlinked in hi-tech and automated manufacturing.

Additionally, China-EU trade has exceeded U.S. $800 billion last year, according to China Daily and this was the first time ever. Two-way investments for both sides hit $270 billion in 2021. The EU recognizes that China is not a threat but a good partner for them.

"Leaders of the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-EU relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian is quoted as saying at a press briefing on Monday.

"China attaches great importance to developing relations with the EU," he added. "Beijing is willing to strengthen strategic communication with the EU through this visit, build on consensus, and jointly advance the sustained, sound and stable development of China-EU relations so as to inject more stability into the complicated and turbulent international situation."

Paving a path to re-balance

Charles Michel is showing tremendous courage with his trip to Beijing. The U.S. believes they can dictate terms to the EU and in recent times, Washington is urging Brussels to distance itself from China. But Europe is waking up to the dangers of blindly following the U.S. hegemony geopolitical drive.

Loyalty should never be a one way street in which the U.S. demands obedience from the EU but when Brussels seeks a more independent-minded foreign policy agenda they get bullied by the Biden administration. Good relations among nation states and regional partners require more mutual trust to enhance win-win benefits.

The Chinese government fully understands the significance of maintaining more harmonious relations on the world stage and to embark on a community of shared prosperity for our world at large. The EU has relied too much on the U.S. and it's time for Europe to take a closer look at rebuilding their relations with Beijing.

The EU plays a significant role in the international economy and diplomatic affairs. Charles Michel can bridge the gaps in China-EU ties. Accordingly, better China-EU ties would make for a much better world.

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