With its participation to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China became more integrated into global trade and has since played a significant role in shaping the modern global economy with its vast industrial capacity and advanced supply chain structure. Thanks to its low labor costs and large-scale production capabilities, it has become the manufacturing hub of the world. Moreover, by investing in fields such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy, China has diversified its economy, while leading infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further strengthening its position in global supply chains.
On the other hand, China and the European Union (EU), two of the most significant actors in the global economy, have maintained long-standing trade relations. The economic ties between the two parties have deepened in areas such as free trade and foreign direct investment, although disagreements have occasionally emerged. Nevertheless, mutual economic interdependence and the goal of ensuring global economic stability have driven both sides to enhance their strategic cooperation.
On March 27–28, 2025, a large number of European officials, including French Foreign Trade Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and European Commission Vice President for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic, visited China, with further visits by European officials expected soon. In response to a question about the details of Barrot’s visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that both sides engaged in in-depth communication not only on China-France and China-EU relations but also on international and regional issues of mutual interest, resulting in various agreements.[1]
This development marks an important diplomatic initiative in EU-China trade relations. In the face of global economic and security challenges, this step toward deepening bilateral relations highlights Europe’s emphasis on trade balance, cooperation, and joint responses to regional crises with China. As a result, the mutual economic interdependence between the two sides is increasingly gaining strategic depth. However, China’s state-supported production and trade practices create imbalances for countries like the EU that adhere to free-market principles. Conducting such negotiations will contribute to more balanced trade and help strengthen mutual trust.
Positive signals have also been emerging from the EU toward China. For example, in February 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her belief that the EU and China could reach agreements to expand trade and investment ties. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the European Parliament has lifted some restrictions on meetings between EU lawmakers and Chinese officials.[2]
Although the EU still imposes anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese products, it continues to rely on the economic cooperation opportunities presented by China’s vast market and manufacturing dominance. Through trade with China, the EU gains significant benefits in energy, technology, and industry sectors, helping it maintain its global economic power. For example, China’s advancements in electric vehicles have created partnership opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery technologies. As a result, German automakers like Volkswagen and BMW have achieved strong sales in the Chinese market.
Additionally, EU countries have benefited from the infrastructure projects implemented under the BRI, particularly in terms of logistics and trade routes. The EU’s access to Asian markets has improved, creating new business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. The China-Poland railway line, which enables faster access to Western Europe, is a prime example. Infrastructure investments under the BRI in transportation, logistics, and energy within EU countries have helped facilitate both internal and external EU trade. These benefits in various sectors not only enhance the EU’s competitive power globally but also promote sustainable economic development.
The changing nature of EU–United States (US) relations has prompted the EU to focus on cooperation opportunities with China as part of its aim to achieve strategic autonomy and enhance its global influence. The US’s imposition of high tariffs on China and its tough stance in trade competition have reinforced the EU’s desire to expand its trade networks, leading it to explore alternative opportunities with China. Furthermore, the EU’s lack of sufficient diplomatic support from the US on issues such as the Paris Climate Agreement has necessitated partnerships with China to achieve its own strategic goals.
By moving closer to China, the EU aims not only to seize opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and trade, but also to pursue an independent strategy from the US and develop actions aligned with its global objectives. This cooperation will strengthen the EU’s global competitiveness and allow the bloc to benefit from China’s rapidly growing technology market in particular.
As China concluded a week in which it hosted two high-level international forums—China Development Forum 2025 and the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025—to demonstrate its commitment to high-quality openness and cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with international business leaders in Beijing on March 28, 2025, and declared that China’s doors would open even wider.[3] By encouraging foreign investment and pursuing high-quality development, China is laying the groundwork for deepening economic ties with the EU and enabling both sides to play a more active role in the global economic balance. China’s high-standard opening-up presents a stable and reliable investment environment in its economic relations with the EU. This not only supports economic growth but also strengthens both parties’ independence within global power dynamics.
In conclusion, China’s expanding global influence and infrastructure projects under the BRI, which support sustainable development, offer significant opportunities for the EU. Faced with the US’s protectionist and unpredictable foreign policy, the EU seeks to pursue more independent economic strategies and benefit from global opportunities by investing in and exporting to Chinese markets. This approach aims to achieve both economic growth and geopolitical strength. For its part, China, through this partnership, can achieve balance in its ongoing trade competition with the US and ensure stability in its supply chains with EU cooperation.
[1] “European officials visit China amid global turbulence; both sides pursuing ‘greater consensus’: expert”, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331103.shtml, (Date Accession: 29.03.2025).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “China remains an ‘ideal, secure and promising’ destination for foreign investors: Xi”, Global Times,https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331104.shtml, (Date Accession: 31.03.2025).
