EU must change its outlook and capitalize on China's initiatives
Updated: 2015-04-01 07:35
By Fu Jing(China Daily)
|
||||||||
These major changes have begun to shape the "new concept" of China-EU strategic partnership, which requires new narratives to define the direction of their relationship. With both sides preparing to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties later this year, the EU should play a more pro-active role to reflect the willingness of its member states to take their ties with China to new levels. But instead of doing so, Brussels has said it will not join the AIIB since it is not a member of either the World Bank or the Asia Development Bank.
The reasons for establishing the AIIB differ from that behind the setting up of the World Bank or the ADB. The rapid changes within the EU and the rest of world require Brussels to alter its outlook. It's time Brussels thought beyond the policies of the US and looked at the real interests of its member states. The EU's attitude toward the AIIB is a reminder that Brussels should look at the real picture of the changing world while devising its policies toward Beijing.
The EU is still contemplating how to channel enough investment to create jobs and expedite growth, both important factors for its future. Xi has put growth and reform as top priorities for Beijing-Brussels relations, while China is busy designing its blueprint for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). And given Xi's speech last year, both sides can find many converging points in each other's policy targets.
The two sides, therefore, should take stock of the changes they have undergone over the past year along with their 40-year relations before holding a summit in June, because that will help them better tackle bilateral problems and strengthen future cooperation.
The author is China Daily chief correspondent in Brussels.
fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |