In his meeting with Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Beijing, Maros Sefcovic indicates a softer stance from the European Union regarding engagement with China.

The EU is prepared to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with China by “strengthening trade and investment collaboration,” stated the EU’s trade commissioner during a speech in Beijing on Thursday, as per a Chinese summary.

During his two-day trip, Maros Sefcovic commented on certain matters when he met with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, according to Xinhau News Agency. This discussion occurred on the initial day of his visit, where they had their meal together at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

The European Commission failed to release minutes from the meeting.

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On Thursday, Sefcovic first had a meeting with Chinese Customs Minister Sun Meijun. Later, he attended an event organized by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China where he spoke with European business representatives.

During the business event, Sefcovic, who hails from Slovakia, reportedly reinforced a change in approach that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been emphasizing in multiple speeches throughout this year.

During these addresses, von der Leyen — who had formerly adopted a stringent stance towards China — moderated her tone to emphasize that the EU was capable of broadening its trading relationships with Beijing and potentially securing new accords.

The official statements were designed to demonstrate to the United States that during President Donald Trump’s second term, Europe had alternatives. However, as indicated by EU officials, these comments were also meant to convey to China that Brussels was receptive to genuine proposals.

“He Lifeng stated that China is ready to collaborate with the European Union to enhance communication and interaction, effectively manage economic and trade disagreements, and increase reciprocal openness,” as mentioned in the official transcript.

The vice-premier further stated that both parties should collaborate to “collectively oppose unilateralism and protectionism and protect the multilateral trading system,” an effort that has gained urgency following Trump’s resurgence in power starting this January.

The statement from China made no reference to any of the issues related to their trade relationship that Sefcovic had previously mentioned.
he planned to discuss
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These complaints encompassed excess industrial capacity within the Chinese economy, a situation that European authorities worry might inundate their markets and jeopardize local businesses. Additionally, Sefcovic aimed to discuss the limited market accessibility for EU companies in China, as well as the disparity in competitive conditions present there.

However, unlike his predecessor as trade commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, Sefcovic did not mention that he planned to address China’s backing of Russia during his visit to Beijing.

During his meetings with Chinese officials, Dombrovskis emphasized placing Ukraine as the priority item on each discussion list, highlighting Beijing’s supply of embargoed materials to Russia’s armed forces.

Sefcovic’s trip continues on Friday when he is expected to meet Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

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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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