EU-China summit

The EU-China summit (Tuesday 9 April) is about redefining the EU's relations with China with a new dose of realism. The EU heads of state and government have signalled that they do not want to settle for a summit of warm words. The summit will cover not just the opening of markets, but also the general adherence to Chinese promises in the economic and political spheres.

Reinhard Bütikofer, Vice-Chairman of the European Parliament's China delegation, comments:

"The European Union is now learning to speak with one voice towards China. This concerns economic issues from the Chinese silk road policy to its industrial policy 'Made in China 2025', but also includes the establishment of a brutal police state in Xinjiang in China's west. China can also be a partner in the future if it wants to act in partnership instead of as a hegemon. The EU should pursue its readiness to cooperate with a clear aim. This currently applies to the question of cyber security, which is an existential question for the European Union. There must be no security rebate for Huawei.

"Neither German nor Italian nor Hungarian special routes to relations with China will pay off in the medium term. Europe must stand together to avoid playing into the hands of China's divisive foreign policies."