China and Europe have stepped up high��evel meetings and consultations, with observers saying the intensive dialogue signals pragmatism and willingness to resolve differences, reports Beijing's Global Times.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Danish King Frederik X and Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen, saying China is ready to strengthen cooperation in green economy, innovation and artificial intelligence. He stressed China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and urged Denmark to play a constructive role.
Mr Wang also co��haired the first meeting of the China��U trade and investment consultation mechanism in Brussels with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The two sides confirmed the mechanism's official establishment, agreeing to hold one to two ministerial��evel meetings annually.
Chinese experts said Europe's internal divisions and economic pressures are prompting calls for practical cooperation, noting the deeply intertwined nature of China��urope supply chains. They urged Europe to respond seriously to China's concerns rather than politicising trade issues.
Wang Wentao, China's commerce minister, also met UK business secretary Peter Kyle in London for the 15th China��K Joint Economic and Trade Commission, where both sides pledged to advance cooperation and strengthen policy communication, including on WTO reform and e��ommerce.
A survey by pollster Public First across 24 EU countries found respondents in eight nations leaned toward stronger ties with China, while 43 per cent said they expected China to be Europe's most important trading partner in 10 years, compared with 27 per cent for the US.
Analysts said Europe's protectionist measures, including new steel safeguards and limits on e��ommerce parcels, run counter to public sentiment. They noted Europe's reliance on Chinese goods, from semiconductors to cooling products during heatwaves, underscores the inseparability of China��urope trade ties.
Zhang Jian of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations said attempts at de��isking or decoupling ignore reality, as Europe needs Chinese goods and China's supply chains help address real��orld problems. He stressed cooperation is mutually beneficial and based on genuine market demand.