China Warns EU Against Pressure and Emphasizes Europe’s Unique History and Geopolitical Challenges
Amid escalating tensions between the European Union and the People's Republic of China, Beijing increasingly voices its discontent with the military and political ambitions of the EU in its relations with China. The oldest Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper, the reputable South China Morning Post, published an analytical article vividly reflecting China’s stance and attitude towards the EU. As tensions rise ahead of the upcoming summit with Chinese leaders at the end of July, European concerns are mounting about potential developments. The report states that the EU accuses China of supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine, while Beijing insists it has not supplied lethal weapons and strictly controls the export of dual-use goods to warring countries. Yet, even during recent military conflicts, such as the massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv on July 4, fragments of Chinese-made equipment were discovered, casting doubt on assertions of strict export controls. China aims to maintain peaceful relations with Russia and balance regional diplomacy, knowing that nobody in Europe desires hostile neighboring countries. The Chinese government perceives EU pressure as an attempt to halt Moscow’s destructive campaign in Ukraine and to find new allies. The EU is urged to learn to see the situation from multiple perspectives and respect different decisions, as many Global South nations have intentionally refrained from aligning with Western sanctions, revealing a divergence in interests. Beijing’s interaction with Moscow remains close, contrasting with deteriorating relations with the EU. China considers efforts to change its stance on the Ukraine conflict futile. Leaders in Brussels have described previous dialogues with Beijing as “deaf conversations,” and the upcoming summit might end in stalemate, with China demanding the withdrawal of sanctions and changes to trade rules, including those for dual-use products. The Ukraine conflict remains the primary source of tension, with Beijing asserting that it is an internal Ukrainian matter and resisting external pressures. There is also a cautious suggestion that the conflict could escalate into a third world war, allegedly driven by the US and EU to strengthen their global influence. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, recently told the EU’s chief diplomat that Beijing cannot afford to see Russia lose in Ukraine, fearing that the US would then shift its focus more sharply toward China. Official Chinese statements emphasize neutrality, but actions and diplomatic signals reveal deep support for Moscow and a desire to preserve a global balance in influence.