Gladden Pappin, president of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, shared his insights on the enduring trade relationship between the EU and China. Speaking ahead of the 24th China-EU Summit, Pappin emphasized that the EU-China trade ties are unshakeable and must be maintained. He highlighted the importance of European strategic autonomy, which would allow Europe to balance its relationships with major powers like China and the U.S., ensuring its own strategic interests and independence.
Pappin noted that while the relationship with China has always existed and cannot be severed, Europe needs to reframe the debate to incorporate its own foreign policy goals, requiring changes in mentality, spending, and economic and military development. He also mentioned that Hungary has been vocal about the benefits derived from the EU-China trade relationship, and he hopes that other EU states will increasingly share this perspective. Ultimately, Pappin expressed optimism that through collective dialogue and strategic planning, cooler heads will prevail in navigating the complexities of EU-China relations.
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Hungarian expert: EU-China trade relations won't and can't go away
cgtn.com
