China and Europe need to be key trading partners for mutual stability and balance (bell ringing)

The second meeting of the China EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism was held in Beijing from October 8th to 9th. Both sides are positioned as "stable and balanced key trading partners between China and Europe", taking stock of the progress of consultations in various fields since the first meeting of the mechanism, conducting pragmatic and effective discussions on important economic and trade issues between China and Europe, forming a consensus list of results, and issuing a joint statement. Against the backdrop of the pressure of global economic recovery and the rise of anti globalization sentiment, China and Europe have injected valuable stability into the uncertain world economy through equal, professional, and constructive dialogue to manage differences and promote cooperation within the framework of WTO rules.

Dialogue is a win-win path anchored by rules and guided by rationality, reflecting the strategic clarity of both China and Europe. The consensus reached this time on 16 specific contents covers key areas such as trade and investment balance, export controls, intellectual property rights, and WTO reform, responding to the common concerns of the industrial sectors of both sides and laying the foundation for further expanding cooperation between the two sides. Both China and Europe recognize that the successful convening of the second meeting is a new starting point, not an end point. This statement indicates that although there are differences between China and Europe, as long as they uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, fully take into account each other's reasonable concerns, both sides have the wisdom and ability to find a proper path to solve the problem. International public opinion generally believes that this meeting effectively demonstrated the effectiveness of the consultation mechanism, which is conducive to stabilizing market expectations and benefiting both China and Europe as well as the world economy.

The essence of China Europe economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The current bilateral trade structure is a two-way choice made by both sides based on their respective comparative advantages, and is an inevitable result of market laws. By 2025, the trade volume of goods between China and Europe will reach 828.11 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 5.4%, and the two-way investment stock will exceed 280 billion US dollars. Both sides are each other's second largest trading partners. In the first half of 2026, despite the interference of protectionism, the trade volume of goods between China and the European Union increased by 14.2% year-on-year, reaching $447.88 billion. From automobiles and new energy to biomedicine and mechanical equipment, the industrial and supply chains of both sides are deeply intertwined, with complementary advantages. The supply and demand markets are highly dependent, and a stable pattern of common interests has already been formed. Both sides firmly position themselves as key trading partners, continue to stabilize bilateral economic and trade relations, and promote more balanced trade. This is not only a pragmatic move that conforms to the reality of deep integration of China Europe economic and trade, but also demonstrates the responsibility of both sides to provide certainty for the world.

Europe has a profound tradition of free trade and has long been an important builder of an open world economy. The Chinese side has noticed that the European Union has successively introduced multiple trade remedy measures and industrial policies over a period of time, and the spillover effects of these measures have attracted international attention. Politicizing and securitizing economic and trade issues, setting unreasonable trade and investment barriers, not only violates the principle of fair competition of the World Trade Organization, but also disrupts the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, ultimately not conducive to the transformation and upgrading of Europe's own industries. The analysis by The Economist in the UK hit the nail on the head: if Europe wants industrial prosperity, the focus should not be on blocking competitors, but on "solving its own internal problems". Many knowledgeable people in Europe have pointed out that the key to enhancing industrial competitiveness lies in solving internal structural problems, rather than simply restricting external competition.

China has always been a partner of Europe in addressing development challenges, rather than the root cause of the problem. The real challenge of China Europe economic and trade cooperation lies in using the name of "de risk" to achieve the reality of "de cooperation". China has always advocated that interdependence is not a risk, the integration of interests is not a threat, and open cooperation is the right path to achieve common development. The super large market space, rapidly iterating innovative applications, and complete industrial supporting system in China are essential foundations for Europe to promote green transformation and stimulate technological innovation. The German Chamber of Commerce in China pointed out that the professional skills and experience accumulated by German enterprises in China can effectively help them enhance their global competitiveness.

Currently, unilateralism and protectionism continue to spread, and the international economic and trade order is facing challenges. As staunch supporters and active contributors to the multilateral trading system, both China and Europe emphasize the value of a rules based multilateral trading system, support WTO reform, and emphasize the importance of complying with WTO rules. The consensus and position between China and Europe are not only conducive to maintaining the stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations, but also have important significance beyond bilateral relations, helping to maintain the global trade order and promote the development of the world economy towards a more open, inclusive, balanced, and win-win direction.

Dialogue and negotiation are the optimal path for managing differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation is the greatest common denominator for common development. Looking towards the future, China is willing to work with Europe to continuously resolve friction and differences through dialogue and consultation, while complying with WTO rules and taking into account each other's core interests. We will continuously explore new potential for cooperation and expand new space for cooperation, and jointly contribute to promoting global economic growth and maintaining the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains.