Brussels and Beijing find common ground in pushing back against US aggression in trade disputes
For the EU, it was an illustration that a bloc known for soft power could take a harder line, and also that its commitment to dialogue is a source of strength not weakness. It was also a chance to show that China is more than willing to deal with the EU collectively.
"We have the same criticism of the situation in the Chinese market and we use different ways of addressing them," a senior EU diplomat said."One is cooperative and in dialogue and negotiation, and the other one is with the use of unilateral measures outside of the WTO scheme, and we have never been shy about addressing these differences of method.
"The EU must also safeguard its interests in the light of unfair practices of third countries, making full use of trade defence instruments and our public procurement rules, as well as ensuring effective reciprocity for public procurement with third countries," the leaders wrote in their formal conclusions.
"The word you have heard most here today is reciprocity," the senior diplomat said."When you look at the European Council of two weeks ago, you will see in the economic part, the decision of the leaders: We will use more and more measures." Noting the emphasis on procurement, the diplomat added:"We are not talking about the unilateral imposition of tariffs for national security purposes. It will still be the EU way.
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