zeit.de
China's Trade Opportunity: EU Chamber Urges Policy Shift
Amidst the escalating US-China trade war, the EU Chamber of Commerce in China reports that 1700 EU companies see an opportunity for China to become a more reliable trade partner, but only if it revises its approach to global relations and shifts from its "Made in China 2025" industrial policy, which while successful in certain sectors, has also fueled competition with foreign firms.
- What immediate impact does the US-China trade war have on China's attractiveness as a trading partner for the EU?
- The escalating US-China trade war presents China with an opportunity to become a more attractive trade partner for the EU. The EU Chamber of Commerce in China reports that 1700 EU companies view China's shift as a chance for a more stable and predictable partnership. However, China must adapt its approach to global relations to realize this potential.
- What adjustments should China make to its economic policies to foster a mutually beneficial economic relationship with the EU in the long term?
- The success of China's "Made in China 2025" is mixed. While the initiative spurred technological advancements, notably in electric vehicles and shipbuilding, it also faced challenges in sectors like aviation. The EU Chamber suggests that a shift away from strong industrial policy coordination and towards market-oriented reforms could make China more attractive to foreign investment, creating a mutually beneficial economic relationship. This shift could also mitigate the negative impacts of protectionist policies that caused market share losses for foreign companies.
- How did China's "Made in China 2025" policy affect its relationship with foreign companies, specifically in the context of technological advancement?
- China's "Made in China 2025" industrial policy, implemented in 2015, aimed to establish global leadership in ten key technologies. This policy, while advancing China's manufacturing sector and leading to technological advancements in areas like electric vehicles and shipbuilding, also fostered competition with foreign firms, leading to some market share losses for EU companies. This policy caused friction but also spurred technological advancements in China, surpassing Germany in industrial robot density by 2024.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around the EU Chamber of Commerce's assessment of China's economic policy and its implications for EU businesses. The headline and introduction emphasize the opportunities for China to become a more attractive partner, potentially influencing the reader to view the situation primarily from the EU's perspective. The article's structure prioritizes the concerns and observations of the EU Chamber.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but there are instances of potentially loaded terms. For example, describing China's industrial policy as "abschreckend" (deterrent) implies a negative connotation. Similarly, "beispiellose Unsicherheit" (unprecedented uncertainty) regarding US policies might create a sense of alarm. More neutral alternatives could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the EU Chamber of Commerce's perspective and largely omits counterarguments or perspectives from Chinese officials or businesses. While acknowledging some successes of Made in China 2025, it doesn't provide a balanced assessment of its overall impact or address potential benefits from the policy. The lack of diverse viewpoints might create a skewed perception.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor scenario: China can either continue its current policies and face potential economic isolation, or it can adopt market-oriented reforms and become a more attractive partner to the EU. Nuances and alternative paths are not explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights China's advancements in industrial automation, surpassing Germany in industrial robot density per 10,000 employees. This indicates progress in industrial development and economic growth, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and indirectly impacting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through job creation and economic opportunities. However, the impact on SDG 8 is moderated by concerns about fair competition and market access for foreign firms.