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| Europe |
| China must abandon ‘China First' to be a solid partner to Europe |
| 2017-06-04 |
| Oh, man, this is hilarious. Europe actually thinks they can treat China like they treat America. This is going to be good. [Euractiv.com] As China becomes an increasingly important partner for the EU, now is the time to take a strong stance on human rights and make sure Beijing provides fair access to European businesses, writes Marietje Schaake. I busted out laughing when I read this intro. She actually thinks this is going to happen? She doesn't know the Chinese at all. Marietje Schaake is a Dutch Democraten 66 MEP in the liberal ALDE group. With Trump turning away from the EU, many see cooperation with China as a natural reflex. However, we must recognise that there are still many obstacles in the relationship, both in the economic and the political sense. China acts based on what it perceives as its own interest: China first. On climate, the European and Chinese interest seems to converge. On trade, security and human rights, China is charting a very different course. The EU-China summit is an opportunity to stress that the EU is willing to cooperate, but that this can only be done on the basis of respect for international laws and agreements. BAHAHAHAHAHAAHA Last January in Davos, before CEO and ministers from all over the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech in which he promoted globalisation. Highlighting the value of free, rules-based trade was a clear move to counter the ’America First’ narrative of Donald Trump. The rhetorical role reversal between the US and China, was remarkable. The question is now whether China will actually turn these words into actions. Kowtow to China and everything will be fine. Chinese economic growth has made it a key global trade player alongside the EU and the US. China has benefitted greatly from access to other markets and the rules that the World Trade Organisation has set. But while the EU is an open market, generally allowing for fair and equal treatment of foreign companies, the Chinese market remains closed and difficult for foreign companies. European businesses consistently face problems as Chinese companies often receive help from the government, for example through un-transparent subsidies or simplified procedures. Big infrastructure contracts always seem to be awarded to Chinese contractors. Often, companies with technologically advanced products, need to transfer knowledge before they are allowed into the market at all. These are problems that must be addressed. We may be able to cooperate more closely with China on advancing international rules, but only if China will enforce those rules on its own market in a fair way. Oh, man, my sides are hurting. She really thinks they're going to stop being dicks to foreigners! It's like she's never read a word of Chinese history. The EU can only convincingly persuade China if the member states form a united front. China does not hesitate to try to divide the member states. By targeting specific sectors, or threatening to take counter measures, China has in the past pressured EU countries to change their positions. Unfortunately this has been effective. If member states only focus on the short term and narrow economic interests instead of the long-term collective interest of the EU, it will be difficult to leverage our weight. In the end, more and fairer market access in China, as well as committed participation by China to adhere to and enforce global rules, is a bigger interest for the EU. Notice she does not, at any point, mention the interests of the people of Europe. It's all about her, all the time. And why shouldn't it be? The EU was created as insulated from the voters for a reason. The EU-China summit will focus mostly on climate and trade. While these are important topics, they must not push other issues off the agenda. They should not overshadow the problems with human rights in China. Journalists are jailed, the death penalty is often carried out and in different parts of the country, minorities are repressed. The importance of the European market for China means that we have a possibility to address the dismal human rights situation in an integrated way. European leaders must also address the provocations and instability in the South China Sea. Although it is unlikely that China will change its position, the EU must make clear that international law is also our guiding principle. Yeah let me know how that works out for you BAHAHAHAHAAHA While there may be opportunities for more cooperation, Europe cannot be naive about the fundamental differences that remain. China should let go of ’China first’ if it wants to be a convincing global player. Stop, stop, it hurts from laughing! This is going to be great. The next few years are going to be gut-bustingly funny as Europe finds out they can't push China around the way they did with the Americans. China don't give a shit about the hairy barbarians, no matter how clever they are or how many technologies they invent. If you're not Chinese you're not a person, end of story. Oh man, this is a wonderful time to be alive. |
| Posted by:Herb McCoy7309 |
| #13 China has made huge amounts from the climate scam. At one point 80% of all carbon credits bought worldwide ended up in China's pocket. One example was factories making CFCs that nobody wanted, which were then paid in Carbon Credits to destroy. Then they would make more. This went on for years. |
| Posted by: phil_b 2017-06-04 22:42 |
| #12 The EU-China summit will focus mostly on climate and trade. Swell, more "climate" bullshit. |
| Posted by: Crusader 2017-06-04 21:54 |
| #11 China apologist |
| Posted by: Frank G 2017-06-04 17:53 |
| #10 Good comment, ZF, at least in terms of educating me (which when it comes to China is an admittedly low hurdle.) I note that we're reading about this EU fantasy on the anniversary of Tiananmen Square. |
| Posted by: Matt 2017-06-04 14:26 |
| #9 Given that the EU is basically the Fourth Reich (i.e. a German empire) by another name, I'm guessing here that, in their dealings with the EU, the Chinese will look up their voluminous catalog of affronts from other nations and recall the Kaiser's instructions to his troops prior to their expedition to China: "Should you encounter the enemy, he will be defeated! No quarter will be given! Prisoners will not be taken! Whoever falls into your hands is forfeited. Just as a thousand years ago the Huns under their King Attila made a name for themselves, one that even today makes them seem mighty in history and legend, may the name German be affirmed by you in such a way in China that no Chinese will ever again dare to look cross-eyed at a German." This is not to say the China has never imposed its will on other nations - the existence of a continental-scale unitary Chinese state suggests a long and bloody history of aggressive war, even if you've read no Chinese history. However, Xi, as another in a long line of emperors of all under heaven (the notional title of all Chinese rulers), probably views this as China's prerogative - an opinion likely shared by most of his countrymen. Chinese territorial expansion is part of its mission civilisatrice, whereas invasions of the Celestial Kingdom are obviously the work of barbarians bent on exploiting its people and pillaging China's priceless antiquities (the eye-rollingly nutty motif of more Chinese chop socky movies than I can count). |
| Posted by: Zhang Fei 2017-06-04 12:52 |
| #8 The keepers of the 'Middle Kingdom' have much patience and very long memories. They do not forget history and therefore try not to repeat mistakes. They may talk one way, but will act for what suits them best most every time. They may not 'burst out laughing' when reading this poor ignorant screed, but they would certainly smile. |
| Posted by: Mullah Richard 2017-06-04 10:57 |
| #7 Partners: EU-China: Trade in goods Trade in goods 2014-2016, € billions Year EU imports EU exports Balance 2014 ... 302.1 ...... 164.6 ...... -137.5 2015 ... 350.6 ...... 170.4 ...... -180.3 2016 ... 344.6 ...... 170.1 ...... -174.5 |
| Posted by: Pearl Spatch3340 2017-06-04 10:06 |
| #6 One Belt, One Road, One Leader. Kinda has a familiar ring. |
| Posted by: Pearl Spatch3340 2017-06-04 09:55 |
| #5 It's been "China First" for 3000 years, AC. I don't see them dropping it. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2017-06-04 09:29 |
| #4 I'm sure China will ditch China First as soon as the EU ditches their EU first policies and rules. Yep that'll work. |
| Posted by: AlanC 2017-06-04 07:52 |
| #3 "Hong Kong" |
| Posted by: Frank G 2017-06-04 06:40 |
| #2 They don't want to be your partners EUrope. They want to make some money and get some payback for 200 years of humiliation. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2017-06-04 05:08 |
| #1 "now is the time to take a strong stance on human rights and make sure Beijing provides fair access to European businesses" Yep, "now". The human rights abuses only began yesterday, so let's do something NOW. And don't you just love how politicians of all shapes and sizes define "fair". GTFOH! |
| Posted by: Blinky Bucket1135 2017-06-04 03:39 |