EU-China relations: Beijing, from rival to “fundamental partner” according to the Commission.

The general approach of the EU executive, explains the Commission, remains that of “risk reduction”, and not decoupling. China is a “key partner” and “dialogue and engagement will continue as long as the communication channels remain open.”

At the same time, “the current state of trade and investment relations is not sustainable. As economic and security interests are increasingly interconnected, both dimensions will require a more solid and coherent“. Today’s debate will feed into the work of the coming weeks, in view of further discussions at the G7 and the European Council in June.