Column: Beyond Atlantic dependence: why Europe needs China as a partner

by Yi Fan

The eyebrow-raising "daddy" remark by NATO's chief has sparked widespread attention and exposed inconvenient truths: the lopsided relationship between the United States and Europe, and the deep-seated differences within NATO regarding military spending and strategic objectives.

At the NATO summit, the United States demanded that European members allocate 5 percent of GDP to defense spending, as it pivots toward Asia and the Middle East. Many expressed concerns over the target amid economic fragility, a situation poised to worsen under the U.S. blanket tariffs.

Europe's voice falters even on its own doorstep. Labeled as an "obstacle" to Ukraine peace talks, European allies were sidelined from the outset -- relegated to "the kids' table" by a transactional Washington.

Economically, while the European Commission calls U.S.-EU trade "the most important commercial relationship in the world," tariff negotiations have appeared to be slow and difficult. A potential agreement in principle may not be able to restore the partners' trust.

In an era of geopolitical fragmentation and economic uncertainty, strategic autonomy has become more and more imperative for Europe. Europeans would benefit greatly from greater independence and autonomy.

And in this regard, China can serve as a genuine partner.

This year, China and the EU are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. It is a maturing relationship that deserves some stock-taking and reflections. In recent years, some Europeans seem to view China more as a competitor or even rival than a partner. However, facts have proven that China is not a systemic rival but an indispensable partner in securing Europe's future.

In a recent visit to the EU headquarters, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing's steadfast support for European integration and strategic autonomy. This point is likely to be emphasized by Chinese leaders during their meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as they travel to Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit.

Given the ongoing Ukraine crisis, a top security concern for Europeans, and all the ambiguity and high-handedness on the part of the United States, Beijing's message to Brussels deserves careful consideration in European capitals.

On the economic front, half a century of China-EU engagement proves that cooperation is mutually beneficial. The trade volume between China and Europe has reached impressive levels, with a single day's trade now surpassing the total trade of an entire year during the early stages of diplomatic relations. In 2024, bilateral trade reached 785.8 billion U.S. dollars, supporting approximately 3 million local jobs.

China's growing role in Europe's clean energy transition is another highlight. Investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewables not only help Europe work towards its ambitious goal of 42.5 percent of renewable energy of total energy consumption by 2030, but also contribute to revitalizing the continent's industrial base.

Projects like Germany's Dollen Solar Park and Greece's Thrace Wind Power Project leverage Chinese technology to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Despite the EU's anti-subsidy probes, Chinese EV manufacturers are creating local jobs and advancing battery technology, key to achieving Europe's "Fit for 55" targets.

The other way around, China also welcomes more investment and imports from Europe. To date, China has rolled out a unilateral visa-free policy for 24 EU members, making travel to China easier for both leisure and business.

Furthermore, China has already removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, and is expanding pilot initiatives for market opening in services sectors like telecommunications, medical services and education.

How is China a rival to be confronted?

China sees itself as a partner of Europe and vice versa. In China's view, both are major players in a multipolar world, with rich civilizations and a shared commitment to multilateralism and free trade. There is every reason for the two sides to work together to address global challenges.

Europe has navigated relentless headwinds over the years, from immigration to inflation, from social fractures to economic constraints. In the current geopolitical environment, Europe's way forward should not be confined to mere traditional alliances.

By cooperating with different countries and regions, Europe can carve out a bigger role in a multipolar world. And China will prove to be a trustworthy and reliable partner along the way.

Editor's note: Yi Fan is a Beijing-based observer of international affairs.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.