On November 7, The South China Morning Post quoted several sources familiar with the matter, stating that the EU and the United States plan to resume dialogue on China issues after a two-year hiatus.
Since Trump returned to the White House, this dialogue mechanism has been stagnant. However, despite the deteriorating transatlantic relations during this period, talks are expected to take place in the first week of December, following Washington's initiative.
This once regular dialogue mechanism was primarily used to discuss issues related to China that were of common concern to both Europe and the United States. During Joe Biden’s presidency, this mechanism was one of several platforms for exchanging information and opinions on China policies between Europe and the United States. However, with the election of Trump, most of these platforms ceased to exist.
The meeting was co-chaired by Kurt Campbell, then Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the United States, and Stefano Sonino, then Secretary-General of the European Union’s Agency for External Action.
Currently, the corresponding position in the US is held by Christopher Landau, while in Europe, it is occupied by Kaissa Olunghren. The US delegation will be led by Alison Hook, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
The EU is taking a tough stance and is preparing to implement an "emergency cut-off mechanism" against Chinese companies. Beijing has warned Brussels not to have "fantasies".
For the past two years, Washington has exhibited a cool attitude toward European policies on China, sometimes making Brussels feel perplexed.
At the end of the meeting in September 2024, both parties agreed to hold another discussion in the first half of 2025. However, this plan was not realized.
During tariff negotiations, the European Union repeatedly suggested that China could be a topic for both Europe and the United States to find common ground, but this proposal was rejected by the US side.
Trump's return to power also means the end of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Council. This council was established during the Biden administration to ensure Western dominance in the field of future technologies and digital standards.
This mechanism was used to coordinate sanctions and export control measures against Russia. It also provided a platform for Europe and America to exchange their respective positions towards China.
Meanwhile, many discussions related to China continue at the multilateral level. For example, the G7 has become a platform for the United States and its allies to discuss how to expand the supply of critical minerals, with the aim of gradually reducing China's dominance in this area.
It is expected that dialogues between European and American countries related to China will be part of a series of diplomatic activities by major powers by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, tensions between the European Union and the two major powers, the United States and China, continue to persist. Although Brussels hopes that transatlantic relations will improve after Trump’s disastrous election this week, the EU does not have high expectations for this.
Trump showed sympathy for Russia during its war in Ukraine, and on Thursday met with a senior envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the White House.
Next week, the United States will mediate negotiations between the two warring parties, but the European Union has not been invited to participate.
Meanwhile, Trump also sparked a transatlantic trade dispute and threatened to seize Greenland, a Danish territory, pushing relations between Europe and America to their lowest point in decades.
The head of the delegation from the European Parliament to discuss relations with the United States, Brando Benifei, urged Brussels and Washington to improve bilateral relations after the U.S. midterm elections.
He said, “I hope that the new legislative body (the United States Congress) will become a new starting point for us both to resume dialogue and cooperation. Transatlantic relations remain essential for European security, the competitiveness of our economies, as well as the well-being of citizens and businesses.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that China opposes any country imposing its own interests and demands on other countries. It also opposes the formation of "small circles" and group politics targeting third parties, as well as using ideologies to divide the world.
The United States and the European Union should embrace the trend of a peaceful, development-oriented, cooperative, and win-win era. They should adhere to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and practice true multilateralism. By doing so, they can contribute their share to international unity in fighting against pandemics and addressing global challenges.
