China moves to keep EU investment talks on track
- The two sides have been making slow progress, but vice-premier Liu He’s phone conversation with his European counterparts is seen as an attempt by Beijing to refocus attention on the matter
- Discussions took place against growing European suspicion of China and its handling of the coronavirus crisis
China is stepping up its efforts to reach an investment agreement with the European Union, with the vice-premier in charge of trade talks calling his counterparts in Brussels on Friday.
Liu He’s conversation with the European Commission’s executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis came as officials described the talks, which the two sides hope to conclude this year, as making slow progress.
Liu’s call, his first in a year, also coincides with a hardening of attitudes towards China in some parts of Europe as a result of its handling of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The disease has now killed more people in Europe than in China, according to official figures.
Liu, who has also been in charge of China’s trade talks with the US, is suspected of downplaying the talks with the EU to focus on China’s response to the trade war.
His latest engagement with the EU is a sign that Beijing is refocusing attention on Brussels after reaching a phase one deal with the US, according to one EU diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity.