General

As previously expected, the high-frequency interaction between China, Germany, and France has injected new impetus into the close international trade and economic cooperation between China and Europe.

Strengthen cooperation in green and environmental protection

Green and environmental protection is a major area of China Europe's "instant cooperation". In the seventh round of Sino German government consultations, both sides unanimously agreed to establish a dialogue and cooperation mechanism on climate change and green transformation, and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as addressing climate change.

In addition, when Chinese leaders met with French President Malcolm, Prime Minister Borne and President of the President of the European Council Michel, cooperation in the field of green or environmental protection was also a frequent word. Makron clearly stated that Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest in France and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green environmental protection and new energy.

There is a solid foundation for strengthening cooperation between China and Europe in green environmental protection. Xiao Xinjian stated that in recent years, China has actively promoted green and low-carbon development, making positive contributions to the global response to climate change. Data shows that in 2022, China contributed approximately 48% of the newly added global renewable energy capacity; Back then, China provided two-thirds of the world's new hydroelectric capacity, 45% of the new solar capacity, and half of the new wind power capacity.

Liu Zuoqui, Deputy Director of the European studies Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that Europe is currently undergoing an energy transformation, which has bright prospects but faces many challenges. China has made significant progress in the field of green energy and has also attracted many European energy companies to invest and start business in China. As long as both sides are based on each other's needs and carry out practical cooperation, there will be good prospects for China Europe international trade relations

Analysts point out that both China and Europe are the backbone of global climate governance and leaders in global green development. Deepening cooperation in the field of green environmental protection between the two sides can help jointly solve transformation challenges, contribute practical solutions to global low-carbon transformation, and inject more certainty into global climate governance.

Oppose "decoupling and chain breaking"

Since November last year, leaders of major European countries have gradually formed a consensus on opposing the "new cold war" and "decoupling and chain breaking". With China's economic resilience ranking among the top in the world, Chinese leaders' trip to Europe this time has received more positive responses on "anti decoupling".

German Chancellor Schultz clearly stated that the German side opposes any form of decoupling. Borne stated that the EU adheres to strategic autonomy and does not support "decoupling and chain breaking". Michelle also stated that China's development is beneficial to the EU and the world, and the EU has no intention of hindering China's development and opposes the "new Cold War" and side selection.

A series of international trade and economic orders have become vivid footnotes for "anti decoupling". During the visit of Chinese leaders, China and Germany have signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as addressing climate change, innovation, advanced manufacturing, and vocational education. China and Germany have reached multiple cooperation agreements in fields such as aviation, space research, and nuclear energy.

The reason why China and Europe have a "common language" in opposing decoupling and chain breaking is that ensuring the stability of the industrial and supply chains is in the common interest of both sides.

For Europe, after the Ukrainian crisis, inflation has intensified and investment and consumption have been sluggish. Ensuring the stability of the industrial and supply chains to China has become a rational option to alleviate its own economic pressure and respond to regional and global recession challenges; For China, Europe is an important trade and investment partner, and a good international trade and economic relationship between China and Europe is also of great significance for the stable and healthy development of China's economy.

Since the beginning of this year, a large number of European corporate executives with global influence have repeatedly sparked a "coming to China fever", expressing their willingness to continue developing in China, indicating that it is unrealistic and unpopular to "decouple" from China. Analysts believe that as China and Europe reach more consensus on "anti decoupling", international trade and economic cooperation between the two sides is expected to reach a higher level.