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Saturday, Jul 12, 2025

EU Urged to Pursue Digital Collaboration with China Amid Competitiveness Challenges

Recognizing a digital lag behind the US and China, the EU seeks strategic cooperation with China to boost economic performance.
In a comprehensive report underscoring the European Union's competitive challenges, the bloc concedes a notable digital lag behind the United States and China.

The report cautions that both nations have surged ahead in the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies, as highlighted by sources including Bloomberg.

The statements reiterate findings from a broader evaluation led by former European Central Bank president, Mario Draghi, which noted that from 2008 to 2021, nearly 30% of European unicorn startups—those with valuations exceeding $1 billion—relocated their headquarters abroad.

This has underscored challenges in retaining burgeoning enterprises within Europe.

However, the EU report has been critiqued for mistakenly citing trade relations with China as a primary cause of its economic hurdles.

As reported by Bloomberg, the document alleges that competitive pricing of Chinese exports, often supported by state subsidies, could severely impact segments of EU manufacturing.

While acknowledging these challenges, the EU's report presents an opportune moment for introspection, spotlighting misconceptions surrounding economic and trade engagement with China.

Such misunderstandings contribute to the EU's ongoing struggles to enhance business appeal, nurture growth in its digital sectors, and bolster sustainable economic competitiveness.

The EU's recent actions, including an anti-subsidy probe against Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and the application of protective tariffs, contradict desires of some member states and several European businesses, thus undermining cooperative investment prospects.

These protectionist measures inadvertently reveal deeper economic discrepancies within the EU structure.

Meanwhile, the US's stance on Chinese products, framed by geopolitical intentions, further complicates the EU's path to resolving its internal economic challenges.

The report advocates for pragmatic economic and trade relations with China, emphasizing potential benefits for the EU's economic resilience and competitive standing.

A commitment to market-driven principles and open cooperation could prevent further strain on bilateral relations.

A particularly promising area is the digital economy, where untapped potential exists for Sino-European collaboration.

Such engagement offers mutual benefits, enhancing the EU's business environment and addressing imminent economic challenges.

Firstly, China's swift advancements in digital technologies present the EU with crucial insights and references, aiding its own digital transformation and fostering innovation-led growth.

Secondly, cooperative endeavors in data security and privacy could enable both regions to confront global digital governance challenges.

Given the interconnectedness of the digital economy, establishing robust collaboration mechanisms is increasingly vital.

In August, inaugurating discussions under a China-EU Cross-Border Data Flow Communication Mechanism, exemplifies steps toward concerted efforts in managing sectorial evolution.

Finally, augmented China-EU cooperation is set to open new business avenues, spurring technological exchange and industrial synergy with balanced benefits.

Joint technological ventures and shared market access can enhance global competitiveness for both regions.

_The author is a reporter with the Global Times.

bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn_
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