China Warns Europe of Internal Strife, Calls for a “Revolution” Ahead of EU-China Summit
In a move that adds fuel to the simmering tensions between China and the European Union (EU), Chinese state-run media issued a stern warning to Europe on Sunday. The cautionary message, published in the Global Times, a nationalistic English-language tabloid linked to the Communist Party, comes just weeks before the scheduled EU-China summit set to take place around December 7 and 8. The summit, the first in over a year, aims to address strained relations exacerbated by China’s support for Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the summit’s goal of establishing a fair playing field in trade between Europe and China. Allegations of market distortions by Beijing are expected to be a focal point of discussions, with von der Leyen expressing the EU’s interest in fostering a more ambitious relationship that benefits both sides.
The Global Times editorial, however, took a different tone, urging Europe to redirect its attention inward, particularly towards what it perceives as rising far-right influences in the region. The piece suggests that instead of fixating on the “uncertainty of the world,” Europe should grapple with its internal challenges, notably the ascent of several right-wing governments.
The editorial draws attention to recent political victories by right-wing parties in European nations, citing the Freedom Party in the Netherlands, Brothers for Italy in Italy, and the growing popularity of the Alternative for Germany party. The article contends that these political shifts could intensify Euroscepticism, posing a threat to the EU’s unified approach to global affairs.
“Internal issues within the EU have made them somewhat flustered when facing global issues,” warns the Global Times, adding that European media is contemplating policy readjustments towards Turkey and the Middle East without a clear direction on how to navigate the rise of China.
The editorial contends that Europe is grappling with multiple challenges, including what it perceives as a lack of governing ability and a “lack of clear self-positioning.” In response, it calls for a “revolution of spirit” in Europe, urging the continent to shed the shackles of past glories and arrogance.
“Europe needs a revolution of spirit. The immediate priority of this revolution is to have a precise understanding of its own position and not to remain wallowing in its past glory and arrogance. Only by knowing its own position can Europe determine what it should do, what needs to be done, and what it can achieve,” states the editorial.
The call for a “revolution” appears to be a thinly veiled critique of Europe’s perceived indecisiveness and internal divisions. China’s perspective, as presented in the Global Times, suggests that a more united and self-aware Europe is essential for effective engagement on the global stage.
As the EU-China summit looms, the contrasting narratives from European leaders and Chinese state media underscore the complexities of the relationship between the two entities. While economic and trade concerns will likely dominate the formal discussions, the undercurrent of political differences and divergent worldviews adds an additional layer of complexity to an already intricate diplomatic landscape. The coming weeks will reveal whether these divergent perspectives will hinder or foster a more constructive dialogue between the European Union and China.