China's 'conflict' message to the European Union

According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, President Xi held a phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa.

During the call, Xi congratulated former Portuguese Prime Minister Costa, who was elected in December 2024, on his new role, noting that as long as both sides remain committed to mutual respect, equality, and dialogue, significant progress can be made in China-EU cooperation.

Pointing out that both sides should view each other as partners rather than rivals and respect each other's core interests, concerns, social systems, and development choices, Xi emphasized that China views Europe as an "important pole in a multipolar world" and supports European integration as well as Europe's pursuit of "strategic autonomy."

Xi underscored that there is no geopolitical conflict or fundamental clash of interests between China and the EU, stating that both sides should strengthen mutual strategic trust and communication, and continue to advance their partnership.

Arguing that economic and trade relations between China and the EU are mutually beneficial and complementary, Xi stated that the two sides have established a strong symbiotic relationship as defenders of the multilateral trading system.

CUSTOMS DUTIES AND STRATEGIC AUTONOMY

It is noteworthy that Xi delivered messages regarding economic partnership to the European Council President at a time when the EU has imposed additional customs duties on electric vehicles imported from China following a subsidy investigation conducted by the bloc.

EU member states voted on October 4, 2024, to approve the European Commission's decision to impose additional customs duties of up to 35 percent on electric vehicles imported from China.

On the other hand, China views the EU as a balancing power center during a period of increasing competition and tensions with the US. In meetings last year with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, President Xi had delivered messages that "China and the EU are partners, not rivals," that "China views the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world," and that it "supports Europe's strategic autonomy."

In his contacts, Xi opposed the arguments of those advocating for a "de-risking" approach in relations with China—a policy spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—arguing that there is no overcapacity in China and that Chinese industry is responding to global demand through free competition and by utilizing its comparative advantages.