As Brussels pushes further into “de-risking” and weighs tougher measures that could reshape China-EU business ties, many European firms in China are choosing a more pragmatic path: stay, expand and localize. That disconnect between political rhetoric and business reality captures Europe’s policy dilemma: whether its expanding toolbox will reduce risk, or merely split markets and erode its own competitiveness.
More and more European companies are deepening their roots and expanding their business in China. Their actions serve as a strong rebuttal to so-called de-risking, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.
The comments came in response to a media question about reports that the EU is expected to unveil new trade-restrictive tools targeting China in mid-June, while the latest survey by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China showed that 68 percent of European companies have chosen to stay in or expand their business in China.
The trade cooperation between China and Europe is built on common interests. It is in essence a result of both comparative advantages and participation in market competition. Complementarity is not a risk, and convergence of interests is not a threat, the spokesperson noted.
