Europe and China Should Build Cooperation Instead of Blaming Each Other
A Slow Europe Misreads Its Own Economic Challenges
A few months ago, the property management company of my apartment building in Brussels announced a rooftop renovation that would last ten months — excluding rainy days.
Coming from China, where similar projects typically wrap up in a matter of weeks, I was puzzled. As the months passed, it became clear why the timeline was so long: only a few workers would show up each week, and many sunny days passed without any progress.
This slow pace is a revealing snapshot of deeper inefficiencies that contribute to the European Union’s declining global competitiveness. Former Italian Prime Minister and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi recently published a competitiveness report that outlines this issue in stark terms.
The economic projections speak volumes: the International Monetary Fund estimates the eurozone will grow by only 0.8% this year and 1.2% next year. In contrast, the U.S. is expected to grow at 1.8% and 1.7%, while China’s economy may expand by a strong 4%.
Faced with these sobering statistics, some EU politicians are seeking a scapegoat. Instead of pushing forward economic reforms, boosting innovation, or enhancing worker productivity, they point fingers at China.
They blame China for everything from trade imbalances to export restrictions and limited market access — conveniently ignoring the history of EU-China trade. For two decades before 1996, the EU enjoyed a significant trade surplus with China, and even today, it still maintains a service trade surplus. China, notably, never complained about these imbalances.
Even more ironic is the EU’s contradictory stance. When trying to persuade the Trump administration that the EU’s trade surplus with the U.S. wasn’t problematic, European leaders emphasized the complexity and mutual benefits of global trade. Yet now, the same arguments are being disregarded when discussing China.
The Dangers of Overemphasizing Differences and Ignoring Shared Gains
It’s no secret that Western companies have long reaped enormous profits through trade and investment partnerships with Chinese firms.
And while Chinese companies respected the rules of the game, they were rarely vocal about the disadvantages they faced. In contrast, today’s EU strategies suggest a retreat into protectionism.
Trade barriers, investment screening mechanisms, bans on Huawei’s 5G equipment, and limitations on semiconductor exports from ASML to China signal a shift away from the EU’s supposed openness.
China, on the other hand, has remained welcoming. It allowed European, American, and Japanese carmakers to operate freely within its borders, even accepting the so-called “overcapacity” that European leaders now warn against.
But when Chinese electric vehicles — competitively priced and increasingly high in quality — entered the EU market, the reaction was swift and defensive. Chinese EVs were labeled as national security threats.
A European Parliament member even dismissed them as low-quality, despite widespread praise from auto industry experts, including Tesla’s Elon Musk.
This protectionist mindset is short-sighted. China’s progress is not a threat but a model. It shows that developing countries can rise from labor-intensive economies to become leaders in innovation, technology, and green energy. More countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America may follow China’s path — and this should be viewed as an opportunity, not a danger.
Instead of embracing this shift, many EU politicians seem obsessed with the negatives. Their narrative fixates on risks and losses, ignoring the overwhelming benefits that continued cooperation could bring — especially in green technology, infrastructure development, and digital transformation. Europe’s current “de-risking” strategy may ultimately backfire. While designed to reduce dependency, it could cut the EU off from vital partnerships and economic momentum.
Beyond politics and economics, there’s a human lesson to be learned. Relationships — whether between nations, friends, or spouses — are rarely perfect. Friction and disagreement are inevitable. But if the focus is always on the flaws, even the strongest bonds can deteriorate. The same principle applies to EU-China relations.
Reviving a Spirit of Mutual Respect and Shared Progress
Looking back at the last 50 years, EU-China relations have been characterized more by cooperation than conflict. Major infrastructure projects, scientific collaborations, and bilateral trade agreements have created tangible benefits on both sides. Chinese investment has supported European manufacturing and energy development, while European luxury brands, technology firms, and consultancies have thrived in China’s growing middle class market.
A relationship that has weathered decades of global upheaval deserves a fair chance at evolution — not division. Talking about issues like fair competition, digital security, or environmental regulations is absolutely necessary. But these conversations must take place in the context of mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress.
There is much to gain. China’s dominance in green technologies — from solar panels to battery storage — could help the EU accelerate its environmental transition. At the same time, European companies bring experience in sustainable architecture, advanced engineering, and precision manufacturing. Collaboration in these areas is not only logical but essential in a warming, interconnected world.
To move forward, both sides must let go of old assumptions and outdated fears. The EU must recognize that China is no longer a junior partner in global trade. And China must continue demonstrating transparency, openness, and commitment to international standards.
The choice is simple: we can build walls or build bridges. Cooperation doesn’t mean ignoring differences — it means working through them with maturity and purpose.
Europe and China have the tools, the talent, and the track record to succeed together. But it will require courage — the courage to reject fear-based politics and instead focus on the bigger picture: shared prosperity through trust, respect, and forward-thinking collaboration.
Conclusion
In an era marked by global challenges — from climate change to economic volatility — the world can no longer afford fractured alliances. Europe and China, two of the most influential players on the world stage, have a responsibility to lead by example.
By shifting away from blame and embracing pragmatic cooperation, they can reignite growth, drive innovation, and foster greater global stability.
The path forward is not through isolation or suspicion, but through partnership rooted in mutual benefit. A more connected, collaborative future is possible — if both sides choose it with vision and determination.
Remember to visit our blog to stay updated on the latest happenings in South Florida and other interesting news at B2B-Live.com.