The Europe Xi will visit is one that witnesses a resurgent Germany.
In recent years, the German economy has thrives, whereas much of the continent faced economic ruin. With the French domestic situation in confusion and despair, and Britain half-heartedly partaking in European integration, Germany has become the mainstay of the European economy. Its influence over European politics, economy and defense has increased greatly. China could take note from Germany's successful revival for its own socio-economic development and national rejuvenation.Germany will be the most important leg of Xi's Europe visit. China-Germany relations are the most harmonious relations between China and any European country. Starting from economic and trade issues, China and Germany could extend their cooperation into security and global issues. The two regional leaders can gain new insights through one another. Their interaction will have a profound impact on their own reform, as well as on overall China-Europe relations.
The Europe Xi will visit is one filled with political arrogance. In Europe, there are still people carrying a certain "ingrained" Anglo-Saxon and Eurocentric superiority in their minds; they are unhappy about the so-called arrogant Americans. However, when they deal with developing nations and countries that are not as powerful as they themselves are, they cannot help but reveal their Europe-style arrogance. Such arrogance greatly hinders the EU's development potential. A latest example is the insurmountable high threshold for Ukraine's accession to the EU, which became a direct cause for the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
The abovementioned "Europe-style arrogance" will hurt ties between China and Europe in the long term. In recent years, four sensitive issues have appeared -- human rights, the Dalai Lama, arms embargo and trade friction. These issues are hindering any progress in China-Europe relations.
During Xi Jinping's upcoming visit, he will see a complex and friendly Europe. A Europe that sincerely hopes to expand its cooperative relationship with China and hopes to enjoy the economic benefits of China's reform -- yet is still entangled in its old thinking. The main theme of China-Europe relations is mutual trust and cooperation. Xi's visit will undoubtedly once again reinforce this trend.
The author is a world affairs commentator.
The article was translated by Li Huiru. Its original unabridged version was published in Chinese.
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