China seeks partnership, not rivalry with the EU — Chinese ambassador to Spain.

In recent decades, China has sought to develop its relations with the European Union and claims that it is building a partnership, not becoming its rival. This opinion was expressed by China's ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing. He pointed out that if the EU considers China to be its 'systemic rival,' this is a mistaken strategy, as both sides support open markets and the principles of free trade.

The ambassador emphasized that China will never be a threat to Europe and cannot become its enemy. He also expressed strong support for the EU's multilateral approach to foreign policy and considers it effective compared to the isolationist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We must focus on partnership. China will never be a threat or any enemy to the EU,” Yao Jing stated.

The visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, is seen as an attempt to strengthen economic and political ties between China and Europe, especially in the context of the repercussions of U.S. tariff policies.

In response to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen's statement that getting closer to China would mean 'cutting one's own throat,' Yao Jing expressed surprise at such words and emphasized that it is the U.S. that is implementing a non-polar policy by introducing unilateral tariffs.

“The U.S. is effectively cutting its own throat with its unilateral tariffs,” noted the Chinese ambassador.

Yao Jing called on Europe to abandon export controls and restrictions for Chinese companies in high-tech fields. He emphasized that China is opening its markets to foreign investments in areas such as telecommunications, banking, and manufacturing. The diplomat stressed that China will continue to open its doors to other countries, and its market will never be closed.

“China has clearly stated that our market will be open, and we are ready to do this for other EU countries, just as we did for Spain,” Yao Jing stated.

In light of this statement, one can conclude that China seeks to strengthen cooperation with the European Union and wishes to develop open trade relations. Such an approach aligns with the interests of both sides, as their values and views on politics and economics coincide. The Chinese ambassador called on Europe not to limit Chinese companies and high-tech products, as China is opening its markets for investment and collaboration with foreign partners. Thus, China demonstrates its readiness for mutually beneficial partnership relations with the European Union and further development of cooperation.