China’s EU ambassador says better communication needed in farewell message

Zhang Ming marks end of four-year tenure in Brussels by saying mutual respect is better than each side trying to force their will on the other

Relations have deteriorated this year, with a round of tit-for-tat sanctions hitting the prospects of implementing an investment deal

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The EU-China summit planned for this year has been put back. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:00pm, 18 Dec 2021

China’s ambassador to the European Union has said the two sides should improve communication instead of trying to force their will on each other.

In a farewell message wrapping up his four-year tenure in Brussels on Saturday, Zhang Ming said the two sides faced many difficulties.

“We need to properly manage our differences through communication,” Zhang said. “There is no magic formula, but communication and mutual respect are surely better than unilateral measures and forced will.

“I believe the splendid civilisations of China and Europe shall equip us with the wisdom to manage our differences while also retaining our diversity”.

Relations have fluctuated since Zhang took up the posting in 2017. The two sides successfully concluded seven years of talks on an investment deal in 2020, but this year its ratification was stalled by the European Parliament after a round of tit-for-tat sanctions over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

The annual summit between the two sides – initially planned to be held by the end of the year – is likely to be put back until January as there is little chance of making progress on human rights and economic concerns, the South China Morning Post learned earlier this week.

Beijing believes Brussels is taking a tougher stance due to pressure from the United States and has repeatedly called on it to maintain its strategic autonomy, but the EU has said Beijing’s behaviour is a cause for concern.

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China’s EU ambassador says better communication needed in farewell message

Zhang Ming marks end of four-year tenure in Brussels by saying mutual respect is better than each side trying to force their will on the other Relations have deteriorated this year, with a round of tit-for-tat sanctions hitting the prospects of implementing an investment deal

Zhang Ming marks end of four-year tenure in Brussels by saying mutual respect is better than each side trying to force their will on the other

Relations have deteriorated this year, with a round of tit-for-tat sanctions hitting the prospects of implementing an investment deal