The European Union is about to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations with China by “deepening trade and investment cooperation,” according to the EU’s trade commissioner, who spoke in Beijing on Thursday, as reported by a Chinese source.
During a meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, Maros Sefcovic made these remarks, according to a report from Xinhua News Agency. The meeting took place on the first day of his two-day visit, with the officials dining at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. The European Commission did not release its own account of the discussion.
Earlier that day, Sefcovic met with Chinese Customs Minister Sun Meijun before attending an event hosted by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, where he engaged with European businesses.
At the business event, the Slovak commissioner reportedly reinforced a shift in tone that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized in several speeches this year.
In those speeches, von der Leyen—who has previously taken a firm stance on China—has moderated her language, stressing that the EU could expand trade ties with Beijing and even explore new agreements.
These public remarks were intended to signal to the United States that Europe has options. However, according to EU sources, they were also meant to indicate to China that Brussels remains open to credible proposals.
