Brussels' readout of the 25th China-EU Summit was replete with charges. It's a significantly harsh tone compared to what European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen struck in April, urging both sides to support a "strong reformed trading system", representing a carefully calibrated signal of cooperation.

True, the EU runs a massive trade deficit in goods of €305 billion with China. While this gives a colossal leverage to the bloc and strengthens its bargaining position in bilateral talks, Brussels' extensive wishlist muddles its ambitions to overcome the stumbling blocks, posing challenges to a "mutually beneficial" relationship.

Indeed, trade with China has benefited European consumers, providing them greater access to cheap products and supporting 3 million jobs. Mutual investments have augmented European companies' profits. The country's capital inflows in electrical vehicle and battery manufacturing and the China-EU energy cooperation could enhance EU's production capacity and ensure its energy security, bringing economic prosperity and accelerating green development.

After all, it was China whose imports and capital influx assisted to prop up Europe's creaking economies during the European sovereign debt crisis. Although it was seen as a strategic move to help itself, China's support........

© The Express Tribune