According to the former Spanish foreign minister, Beijing must tackle EU worries related to the Ukrainian conflict to establish a ‘functional relationship.’

Even as
China-Europe
Ties are beginning to warm up, and Beijing must address “the appropriate issues” as perceived by Europe, which includes tackling their concerns about various matters.
Ukraine war
– If it seeks a “practical partnership” with the EU.

That is according to
Arancha Gonzalez
, who was
Spain
He served as the foreign minister from 2020 to 2021.

Gonzalez stated that establishing trust in a relationship involves more than just uttering the correct words; it also requires taking appropriate actions.

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“If China genuinely aims to invest in the future of its relations with Europe, it should understand what matters most to Europe,” she stated during an interview at a forum in China’s Hainan province on Wednesday.

The entity understands that addressing climate change is crucial for Europe. It also recognizes that achieving a equitable and enduring resolution in Ukraine matters greatly to Europe. Additionally, maintaining open markets under fair conditions is vital for Europe. These principles reflect what Europe stands for.

This development follows signs of improved relations between China and Europe, such as remarks made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—considered the EU’s leading proponent of a tough stance against China—who stated last month that there is potential for enhancing trade relationships with Beijing.

In other indicators, a flow of
Leading European authorities traveled to China
This week, including the EU Trade Commissioner
Maros Sefcovic
, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Portugal’s top diplomat Paulo Rangel. Rangel, along with Gonzalez, was at the annual
Boao Forum for Asia
In Hainan, it gathers officials from government, entrepreneurs from business, and experts from academia.

The European Parliament has similarly removed limitations on lawmakers’ ability to meet certain Chinese officials, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
reported this month
, which was seen as an additional indication of enhanced ties between both parties.

Gonzalez, who serves as the dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po, pointed out that in the short term, an opportunity for China to improve its relationship with the European Union could be through supporting a rule-based trading system and opposing unilateral trade measures and unjust trading behaviors.

She suggested beginning practically from a point where interests align and opportunities for collaboration exist.

Europe has faced significant challenges since the tenure of US President
Donald Trump
Following his return to the White House, President Biden’s administration has reintroduced tariff threats and seemingly aligned itself with Moscow, which has disrupted the transatlantic alliance.

These developments have led to the proposal that the group might move nearer to Beijing, despite ongoing high trade tensions following the EU’s imposition of significant import duties on products from China.
electric vehicles
last year.

Gonzalez stated that in Europe, there has been a clear recognition of the necessity for a practical partnership with China.

“This seems like an opportune time to perhaps reassess and establish a foundation for interacting with each other, keeping in mind the future where the geopolitical landscape will undoubtedly be far more complex,” she stated.

However, she emphasized that the EU-China relationship should not be characterized as “dependent on someone else’s relationships,” and that it must be founded on “what the two parties desire for their own futures.”

She stated that it essentially involves establishing a future-oriented relationship based on shared perspectives between both parties, while simultaneously working on effectively managing their differing viewpoints.

Europe needs to mend relations with China since China is now considered a systemic partner.

During the extensive interview, Gonzalez was candid about the Trump administration’s stance towards Europe, stating: “What we’ve observed is that [the US] does not wish for Europe to thrive.”

She mentioned that Europe aimed to show the Trump administration was incorrect.

With Trump repeatedly criticising
Nato
Gonzalez stated that regarding the transatlantic security partnership and halting military assistance to Ukraine, it was “quite evident that we must achieve greater strategic autonomy, taking more control of our future, beginning with the defense and security of Europe.”

The former foreign minister likewise condemned the hurried approach of the Trump administration concerning the Ukraine conflict following their tenure in office.
reached deals this week
Ukraine and Russia have decided to halt their assaults at sea and on energy infrastructure. In response, Washington has consented to advocate for the removal of certain sanctions imposed on Moscow.

“What I have observed is that the Trump administration appears to be overly hasty, and they’ve recognized that this benefits [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, who so far hasn’t shown real interest in negotiations,” Gonzalez stated.

At present, Russia has mainly set conditions for what it seeks from negotiations, and these conditions would be at odds with Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as a nation.

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The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia.

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