Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

Amid the complex and changing international situation, Europe's self-positioning and the development of China-Europe relations have drawn significant attention. However, a series of recent actions and statements from the European side have been puzzling. First, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas claimed that if the US and Europe engage in a trade war, China would "laugh on the side." Then, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic said that if Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturers want to invest in the EU, they should be prepared to transfer technology. Moreover, latest reports indicate that the EU is probing "whether China provided unfair subsidies for a BYD electric car plant in Hungary."

Meanwhile, five years after the release of the "EU's 5G cybersecurity toolbox," which urged member states to ban Huawei and ZTE from their networks, surveys indicate that 17 EU countries, including the biggest economies, have not fully implemented its provisions. In addition, Europe's 5G network deployment has clearly fallen behind North America and the Asia-Pacific region, leading to increasing discussions within Europe about strategic missteps in 5G development. Spain announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit China and Vietnam next month, stating his intention to contribute to the rapprochement between the EU and "other powers and regional blocs" in the current "highly changing geopolitical context." Clearly, there is a gap between the European Commission's stance on China and the views held by some European countries, the European business community, and insightful individuals.

It is not difficult to see that behind the European Commission and the European Parliament's perplexing stance on China, several prevailing mindsets are at play. The first mindset is that, under the threat of Washington's tariff war, there is a desire to shift blame and deflect attention by promoting the narrative that "China benefits from the US-EU trade war." The second mindset, anchored in maintaining transatlantic relations, seeks to use improved ties with China as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Washington. The third mindset is more awkward, with the belief that China has seen an opportunity in the discord between the US and Europe, but Brussels should not allow Beijing to profit without paying the price; instead, it should approach Beijing more cautiously and strategically. The fourth mindset is shaped by a heightened defensive posture, especially after seeing China's industrial and technological advancements, leading to the attempt to cling even more stubbornly to the already struggling "de-risking" strategy.

Looking back at Europe's mindset over the past few years, from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the current crisis in the transatlantic relationship, Europe's anxiety about its own vulnerabilities has been growing rapidly. In many policy areas, there is an increasing trend toward "pan-securitization." What stands out even more is that some in Europe instinctively point the finger at China, essentially crafting so-called "de-risking" against China, and formulating a variety of other toolkits such as "anti-coercion tools" that have profoundly affected the economic and trade relations between China and Europe. But who really poses the greatest threat to Europe's economic security? Some Europeans previously entertained the illusion that the losses caused by reducing cooperation with China could be compensated elsewhere. In reality, not only has compensation failed to materialize, but Europe has also faced even greater pressure from those supposed alternatives.

The wrong prescription not only fails to address the EU's structural problems but actually highlights its short-sightedness and passivity in global competition. Europe should find ways to overcome its anxiety rather than be trapped by it or pushed into a dilemma by reactive impulses. In fact, more and more voices of reflection are emerging within Europe. For example, a recent Belgian media article noted that China in the past accumulated automotive expertise from cooperation with European players, and it seems that Europe should draw inspiration from this in the field of batteries and it's time to return to the path of cooperation with a humble attitude. Most pragmatic professionals in the European business community recognize the opportunities that come with cooperating with China. They hope to further strengthen forward-looking collaboration with China in fields such as technology and new energy. These pragmatic voices should be reflected in Europe's decision-making.

While most EU countries find it practically impossible to "cut ties" with Chinese products, those European nations that have already deepened cooperation with China are reaping the benefits. For example, Chery Automobile and Spain's Ebro-EV Motors have established a joint venture in Barcelona, creating over 1000 local jobs. After CATL set up factories in Germany and Hungary, it partnered with Stellantis to establish a large-scale lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Spain, providing European consumers with higher-quality, longer-lasting, and more affordable EVs. This year, XPeng Motors and Volkswagen intensified their collaboration to build an ultra-fast charging network, while Hesai Technology secured an exclusive long-term project with a top European OEM. These developments demonstrate the countless opportunities emerging from China-Europe cooperation.

Europe has reached a point where it needs to rebalance its approach. Addressing Europe's vulnerabilities and fostering better development require cooperation with China, not the opposite. China-Europe cooperation is not merely a convergence of economic interests; it is also a strategic choice aimed at jointly addressing global challenges. On issues such as climate change, digital security, and public health, both sides share common interests and responsibilities. Strengthening cooperation in these areas would not only enhance their respective capabilities but also inject new vitality into global governance. China has no intention of exploiting others' difficulties or bullying anyone, and Europe, too, should pursue sincere communication and cooperation with China on the basis of equality and mutual respect.