Beijing Is in a Very Awkward Situation Due to Four Major Misjudgments Against the EU

European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, on June 30, 2019. Yves Herman/Reuters

Commentary

The relationship between China and Europe is deteriorating, and the European Union (EU) on May 20 passed a resolution to freeze ratification of the EU–China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), in response to China’s sanctions on EU politicians. What is foreseeable is that the Xi administration will make appropriate adjustments to its policy toward Europe in the future. At the current stage, Beijing is not willing or ready to let the EU become another rival in addition to the United States.