The European Union (EU) has made it clear that it does not intend to decouple from China, even as it continues trade negotiations with the United States. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions between Brussels and Washington and growing global trade tensions.
According to Chinese media outlet CMG, the EU wants to maintain its economic ties with China while also pursuing agreements with the United States. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the US is negotiating tariff arrangements with over 70 countries as part of its broader strategy to limit trade with Beijing.
The Irish Times noted that Washington is pressuring the EU to choose between aligning with either China or the United States. However, European Commission Deputy Spokesperson Arianna Podestà emphasized that the EU’s engagement with China is separate from its talks with the US. “There is no change in our China policy,” she stated.
Podestà further explained that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remains in regular contact with Chinese authorities, underscoring the EU’s objective to “de-risk, not decouple” from China.
Tensions between the US and the EU have also been fueled by criticisms from US President Donald Trump regarding Europe’s VAT regulations and tech policies, which he claims give unfair advantages to European firms. The EU has responded by affirming its commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged both the UK and the EU to support multilateral trade systems. In response to rising US tariffs, senior fellow André Sapir of the Bruegel think tank recommended that the EU consider forming a broad international trade alliance. He suggested that EU leaders engage with counterparts from G20 and non-G20 nations to uphold open and rules-based global trade under the World Trade Organization framework.