China has unexpectedly cancelled two diplomatic meetings scheduled for June with the European Union, according to the Financial Times. The talks were set to cover digital policy and include a session with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the EU diplomatic service. Beijing has not provided an official reason for the abrupt withdrawal.
„Two rounds of talks planned for this month were cancelled by the Chinese side at the last minute” – a source familiar with the matter told the Financial Times. One meeting, at ministerial level, was to focus on digital policy, while the other, involving Skoog, was supposed to address key diplomatic issues. The FT notes that such tactics are often used by one party to signal dissatisfaction with the other’s policies.
The European Union itself made a similar move last year, pulling out of an economic meeting with Beijing ahead of the July leaders’ summit, citing a lack of progress in multiple trade disputes. Now, analysts see the Chinese decision as a deliberate signal aimed at deterring Brussels from imposing new restrictions on Chinese exports.
Beijing pushes back against Brussels’ industrial policies
China strongly opposes the EU’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, which would exclude certain Chinese products from public procurement. The Financial Times suggests that by cancelling the talks, Beijing wants to intimidate the bloc and prevent further trade barriers. At next week’s European Council meeting in Brussels, EU leaders are expected to discuss competitiveness and global economic challenges in relation to China.
The European Commission is also considering amending cybersecurity rules that could impose restrictions on Chinese telecom companies like Huawei in EU member states. In addition, rising trade deficits have prompted the EU to weigh new tariffs on Chinese goods. „Beijing does not want a trade war with the EU, but will take resolute countermeasures if the EU continues to attack Chinese companies or products” – commented China’s state news agency Xinhua.
EU officials warn of Chinese lobbying tactics
EU officials believe that Beijing’s anti-EU narrative is an attempt to block the bloc from forming a unified stance on economic policy. The Financial Times recalls that Chinese authorities recently enacted regulations that make operating conditions in China even more difficult for foreign businesses, which were already considered challenging.
„Engagement and dialogue between the EU and China continue at many levels” – the European Commission asserted, citing a recent meeting between Trade Director General Ditte Juul Jørgensen and Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji. Despite the cancellation, both sides maintain that communication channels remain open, though the underlying tensions show no sign of easing.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
