There is much that unites China and Europe. Whilst Donald Trump’s isolated, “America First” strategy has hurt countries economically, it has created possibilities to strengthen and build new relationships. China and the European Union’s (EU) is one relationship that has matured greatly over the last few years. Trade now averages at over €1 billion a day, and both see eye to eye on a range of issues, from climate change to multilateralism, free trade to reform in the World Trade Organisation. “Solid Foundation, Enormous Potential and Bright Prospects” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang successful visit last week to Europe, where he visited Belgium, the Netherlands, the latter which signed trade deals reaching US$10 billion and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), was another chance to reaffirm the strong values that Europe and China hold. Δ?Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd L) arrives in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) “Cooperation between Asia and Europe has a solid foundation, enormous potential and bright prospects,” said Premier Li in his speech at the ASEM summit. On multilateralism, Premier Li spoke of Europe and Asia’s joint responsibility to “lead the way” in keeping multilateral institutions alive, as well as adhering to and reviewing a rules-based system, such as those offered by the World Trade Organization (WTO). In the Netherlands, Li’s keynote speech at the business forum […]
