EU trade commissioner says bloc seeks to deepen cooperation with China
Maros Sefcovic, in Beijing meeting with Vice-Premier He Lifeng, signals European Union’s softening tone toward engagement with China
The EU is ready to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations with China by “deepening trade and investment cooperation”, its trade commissioner said in Beijing on Thursday, according to a Chinese readout.
Maros Sefcovic made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, an account by Xinhua News Agency said. The meeting took place on the first of a two-day visit, with the officials dining at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
The European Commission did not publish an account of the meeting.
Earlier on Thursday, Sefcovic met with Chinese Customs Minister Sun Meijun and then with European businesses at an event hosted by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China.
At the business event, Sefcovic, from Slovakia, is understood to have doubled down on a shift in tone that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has adopted during several speeches this year.
In those speeches, von der Leyen – who has previously taken a tough line on China – softened her language to insist that the EU could expand its trade relations with Beijing and even find new agreements.
The public remarks were aimed to show the United States that in the second term of President Donald Trump, Europe has options – but, according to EU sources, were also intended to send a message to China that Brussels was open to credible offers.