Recently, I heard Trump (on TV) warning Europe and China about their (future) economic cooperation. That is quite ironic because he clearly prefers competition over cooperation.
I suppose he also “forgot” about the ancient proverb: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Nevertheless, recent European (and Chinese) communications do indeed suggest the possibility of closer cooperation between Europe and China:
“In response to the widespread disruption caused by the US tariffs, President von der Leyen stressed the responsibility of Europe and China, as two of world’s largest markets, to support a strong reformed trading system, free, fair and founded on a level playing field.”
Source: European Union, Press Corner, 8 April 2025
I suppose those communications are intended to rattle the 2025 Trump Administration. I doubt that European and/or Chinese citizens will take such communications very serious.
However, I do agree with these diplomatic sources:
“The EU wants and needs to be seen as a reliable partner in the world,” a diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “In that sense, the discussion with China is evolving because China is looking at us differently. I don’t think the European approach towards China has changed completely, but the winds are moving.”
Source: EuroNews, 12 April 2025
Nevertheless, the more USA sinks in its self-inflicted swamp, the more likely cooperation between Europe and China could – and will – become. The 1957 European Economic Community (EEC) might be its model (eg, 2050 ECEA).
The problem for Europe is that both China and Trump’s USA cannot be trusted, although for (very) different reasons (eg, Chinese ideology and secrecy versus Trump’s competition and narcissism). Hence, formal cooperation with China is far away, but informal cooperation is on its way.
This recent Dutch article explains why:
For more and more countries, China is the biggest trading partner, not the U.S. Only 60 countries are trading more with USA than China, which is opposite in 145 countries. Within 20 years, (trade) relations have totally reversed.
Original Dutch text:
“China is voor steeds meer landen de grootste handelspartner, niet de VS. Slechts zestig landen handelen meer met de VS dan met China, in 145 landen is het andersom. In twintig jaar tijd zijn de verhoudingen volledig omgedraaid.”Source: de Volkskrant, 14 April 2025, Roles reversed: China biggest trading partner for many countries, not USA. Note LO: English translation by me.
You Can Feel It (2015) by Young Gun Silver Fox
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-album
It’s coming around again, change is in the air
It doesn’t always need a name
You don’t have to see it
To know it’s there
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
0 Comments