By Albert Vataj
“Lead people by your example and become an enabler of their perspective”, advises Confucius, the spiritual father of a brilliant philosophical tradition, at the foundation of which he stands; the preaching of personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relations, justice, kindness, sincerity and responsibility. It is this definition, which in itself determines the goals of the expectations of the visit of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, in May 2024, to France, Serbia, and Hungary.
China pays maximum attention to the partnership with the European side, bilateral cooperation is of great importance to China and Europe. Seeing and treating them with an added priority, reciprocity with the Balkan countries as well. And in a broader prism, the optimism of opportunities and capacities for a dynamism dictated by global developments, where China expresses the guarantee of its priorities in the political, economic field, environmental protection, peace, etc.
The European tour of Chinese President Xi Jinping is important for Europe for several reasons, where trust and political cooperation are milestones of priority importance. Xi has called for increased political mutual trust, dialogue, and cooperation with the European Union (EU). Undoubtedly, this goal goes beyond the inclusion of strategic consensus building and the consideration of non-interference, where tolerance is intolerable, which is essential for the perspective of quality coexistence of inter-country citizens.
EU-China relations have always been characterized by peace and security, a rules-based world order, and a balanced trade relationship. The current economic and geopolitical situation requires the EU and China to communicate openly on a growing number of issues, such as human rights violations, trade imbalances and foreign interference, and finding of a consensus.
“Life is really simple, but we insist on complicating it” noted Confucius, and precisely to enable finding solutions through dialogue and mutual interest, it is suggested that the communication bridges of China and the EU are of strategic importance for peace, stability and prosperity global. Amid an increasingly turbulent international situation, this relationship is seen as greater stability for the world and a stronger impetus for development.
Economic complementarity will also be a focus. There is a high degree of complementarity between the Chinese and EU economies. Cooperation can be increased to strengthen the bond of common interests, which is beneficial to both parties. This is through building trust. The tour is also seen as a step towards rebuilding trust between China and Europe. It aims to reduce misperceptions and focus on pragmatic cooperation despite geopolitical frictions.
Xi’s decision to visit EU institutions is a recognition of the growing political importance of the Union for China, which could lead to further substance and understanding in the improvement of EU-China relations.
Overall, Xi Jinping’s tour is an opportunity for China and Europe to engage in meaningful dialogue, address differences constructively, and explore areas of mutual benefit. It is a chance to reaffirm their comprehensive strategic partnership and work towards common goals in a complex international landscape.
It is this visit, this opportunity, this sensibility, this approach to China-EU relations, which will offer the chances of a consideration of the entire perimeter where the developments guide this visit, which from the Chinese side is based on the teachings of Confucius that have nurtured as a lawmaker in how ethical values, social harmony, and proper behavior have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and society. When considering EU-China relations, these principles can provide a philosophical framework for understanding and engagement, specifically:
Harmony and Stability: Confucianism values social harmony and stability, which is in line with the EU’s interest in maintaining a stable and prosperous relationship with China.
Mutual respect: The Confucian ideal of mutual respect and proper behavior in relationships can be reflected in diplomatic interactions and negotiations between the EU and China.
Long-Term Perspective: Confucianism encourages a long-term perspective, which can influence the strategic approach of the EU and China in shaping their future relationship.
Ethical Governance: Confucius advocated ethical governance and leadership, which can be a common basis for dialogue on governance models and human rights issues.
Education and cultural exchange: The Confucian emphasis on education matches the EU’s interest in educational and cultural exchanges as a means of strengthening ties and mutual understanding.
While the teachings of Confucius provide a cultural lens through which you can see the relationship, the practical aspects of EU-China relations are shaped by contemporary political, economic and strategic considerations. However, understanding these cultural underpinnings can contribute to a more meaningful and respectful engagement between Europe and China.
It is this philosophy whose representation and embrace have marked a new era in the history of EU-China relations, which in a series of developments have shaped the current dynamics between the two entities. Remember, establishing relationships. The European Union (EU) and China established bilateral relations in 1975, after the official recognition of the People’s Republic of China by the member states of the European Community (EC) in the early 1970s. To be followed by the vital importance of trade agreements. The first trade agreement between the EC and China was signed in May 1978, marking the beginning of formal economic relations.
It was the Strategic partnership that entered the focus of this dynamism of relations. Over the past three decades, the relationship has evolved from constructive engagement to a strategic partnership. This includes cooperation in areas such as trade, science, technology and security.
The performance was characterized by the growth of trade. China has become the EU’s second largest trading partner and the EU has become China’s largest trading partner. This economic interdependence has been an important aspect of their relationship, and also part of the interest of the Chinese President’s visit.
But, during the implementation of this partnership, the reduction of dependence came to the fore. In May 2021, the European Commission announced plans to reduce dependence on China in strategic areas of the economy, signaling a shift towards a more cautious approach to economic relations.
Seen with a realistic lens, we underline the fact that throughout its history, the EU-China relationship has been complex, with both sides navigating through periods of cooperation and tension. The reliefs through which normality had to follow was often broken, but there was always interest and will to find solutions. However, the EU-China relationship continues to be an important factor in global politics and economics, influencing a wide range of international issues.
Despite the problems that put these relations to the test, making them more resistant and stable, they see that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Europe brings some possible benefits for the continent. Europe will benefit from increased economic cooperation with China, as there is a high degree of complementarity between their economies. This can lead to more business and investment opportunities.
The visit also provides a platform for strategic communication, allowing both sides to navigate global trends and increase understanding, which is essential in dealing with differences constructively. Global stability is also of interest, which is going through a tense period of conflict. The world is facing many challenges, a strong China-EU relationship can contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity and guarantee positive signals for peaceful solutions to sensitive issues.
Technological cooperation remains the most important. Europe can benefit from China’s willingness to consider the EU as a priority partner in science and technology cooperation, which can boost innovation and development.
In a global interest driven by the playability of these relationships, there is an opportunity for Europe to become a reliable partner in industrial and supply chains that can increase economic security and sustainability. The visit could also help address trade tensions and find common ground on economic security measures affecting trade and investment relations with China.
Because, as Confucius teaches us: “Our greatest glory is not to never fall, but to get up every time we fall.” It is this belief that feeds with optimism this visit of the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, which is an opportunity for Europe to engage with China on multiple levels, from political to economic, aiming at strengthening ties and mutual benefits.
© 2024 Argumentum
