China publishes wish list for relationship with European Union

China has called on the European Union to stick with Beijing to weather trade protectionism and reduce hurdles to Chinese investment, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

In a policy paper, China said it had no fundamental strategic conflicts with the EU, but demanded the bloc “explicitly oppose Taiwan independence in any form”, not interfere in Hong Kong affairs or support separatist movements in Xinjiang.

The policy paper was released as China and the US lock horns in a trade war. While they have agreed on a 90-day truce, they face risks from increased tariffs that may follow if negotiations break down.

The EU and its member states have voiced opposition to the US approach of higher tariffs to press China. The bloc has its own trade disputes with the US, but it shares the US position on China’s market restrictions and state intervention in the economy.

The EU, like the US, has also intensified national security scrutiny of China’s technology investments.

“China and the EU need to stand firmly against unilateralism and protectionism, push for a more open, inclusive and balanced economic globalisation beneficial to all,” the paper released by the foreign ministry said.

“[China and the US should] handle disagreements and frictions in a constructive manner, avoid politicising economic and trade issues, and ensure the sustained, steady and win-win progress of China-EU economic and trade relations.”