China-EU relations: Liu He set to promote Beijing’s global data security initiative at Thursday’s talks

Initiative on Global Data Security was not on agenda, but source says Liu is expected to raise it in virtual meeting with EC executive vice-president Margrethe Vestager

Vestager expected to press Liu for greater commitment from China on market access, research reciprocity and the compatibility of artificial intelligence with human rights, source says

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Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is expected to promote Beijing’s new global data security initiative in talks with the EU on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:03pm, 9 Sep 2020Updated: 11:28pm, 9 Sep 2020

Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He is expected to promote Beijing’s new global data security initiative when he meets a senior European Commission (EC) official on Thursday in a bid to counter Washington’s efforts to curb Chinese tech around the world.

The “Initiative on Global Data Security” was unveiled by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday as an alternative to the “Clean Network” initiative proposed by the United States.

Liu is set to meet EC executive vice-president Margrethe Vestager, who for her part is expected to press China for greater commitments on market access, research reciprocity and the compatibility of artificial intelligence with human rights, according to a source from the European Union who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Vestager would also discuss the EU’s plans for a digital tax, which it regards as vital to its economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, but which has caused a furore in Washington and Silicon Valley.

The meeting comes just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday.