China-EU Photo: VCG

China and Europe are two major forces, two major markets, and two great civilizations in a multipolar world, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday, adding that China is willing to work with Europe to consolidate the positive momentum of China-Europe relations, promote the comprehensive resumption of exchanges at all levels, and provide greater certainty to the intertwined international situation.

Wang made the remarks in response to a recent poll conducted by European Council of Foreign Relations in 11 European Union countries, which suggested that more Europeans consider China a key economic partner despite differences, with 46 percent of those surveyed saying they viewed China as an "ally or necessary partner" compared to just 35 percent who saw Beijing as a "rival or adversary." 

The poll also revealed that Europeans want to remain neutral in a potential US-China conflict and are reluctant to de-risk from China. 

In addition, several European leaders, including European Council President Charles Michel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have recently said that "decoupling" from China is neither realistic nor desirable for Europe, emphasizing that it's important to maintain contact and cooperation with China. 

Analysts said that the remarks of European leaders indicate a recalibration of the EU's policy towards China, emphasizing that the two sides can overcome difficulties and move forward together as long as both demonstrate sincerity and goodwill.

The China-Europe relationship is rooted in a solid public opinion basis, extensive common interests, and similar strategic aspirations. The bilateral relations possess strong resilience and potential despite enduring tests and challenges, Wang remarked.  

Europe, especially its economy, has undoubtedly gained tangible benefits from its engagement with China, experts told the Global Times on Thursday, saying that this is an undeniable fact that cannot be overlooked, which also clearly demonstrates China's deserving role as a stable source of development for the entire world.

China's investment is crucial to boosting Europe's business environment and rebuilding confidence in its economic development, which will help break the bottlenecks at the moment, Liu Zuokui, a research fellow on European studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

China-EU economic and trade cooperation, which benefits both sides, should be based on mutual trust and Europe's diplomatic and strategic autonomy, experts noted, adding that Europe is also correcting its aggressive China policy, after blindly following the US has caused negative effect to China-EU times.

The reduction of economic dependence on China, commonly referred to as "decoupling," is not only unrealistic but also contrary to Europe's interests, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times.

With the post-pandemic recovery of the Chinese economy, maintaining and even deepening economic and trade ties with China is helpful to Europe in overcoming its economic challenges, particularly in offsetting the losses caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he added.

Europe still needs to address the issue of perception of China, experts noted. Influenced by the US for a long time, Europe views China as both a partner and a competitor, which has directly resulted in a desire to reduce dependence on China and a negative perception of China.

In particular, it is crucial for the EU not to perceive China's development as a loss for Europe or the Western world, and it is important to embrace a cooperative approach rather than a zero-sum mentality, Liu remarked.

Wang, the spokesperson, emphasized China's willingness to strengthen international coordination and effectively manage differences with Europe. This will help solidify the positive momentum of China-EU relations, stimulate mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and provide greater certainty amidst the complex international landscape.