Former UN under-secretary general Pino Arlacchi highlighted that China's rapid economic rise and strategic planning have left Europe struggling to adjust, as stagnation and trade imbalances fuel concerns over China's increasing global advantage.
In a special program with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Arlacchi delved into the present and future dynamics of China-EU relations, offering insights into economic shifts and the challenges they present.
"The European governments started to see China as a danger or as a threat, just in the last few years, let's say less than 10 years. Why? Because Chinese development, Chinese strength, was so evident, and Europe was not able to catch up, not only Europe, but also the United States. That followed more or less the same pattern, the United States was quite friendly with China, up to China became strong, economically, industrially, it's much stronger than the United States and Europe. So now Europe has to adjust to this new situation in which China is leading, particularly in not only the industrial area, but in the technological area. This is the most crucial point," he said.
Highlighting China's remarkable strategic foresight, Arlacchi pointed to the country's decade-long focus on innovation, high-tech industries, and renewable energy, contrasting it with Europe's lack of economic planning.
"China started to become this power in 2015, 2016. It's 10 years of development, investing heavily in high tech, artificial intelligence, renewable energies and so on. So it's 10 years that China did a plan, also, this is the main point, the capacity to plan the economy, which in Europe does not exist because Europe is still a capitalist entity with no whatsoever capacity of [planning]," said Arlacchi.
Arlacchi stressed that China's continued economic growth, in contrast to the stagnation of the European economy, has created significant trade imbalances, sparking concerns among European and American leaders over its expanding economic dominance.
"China has no crisis in the economy, it grows continuously. We grow and then we stop. Then we go back and there is a basic stagnation of the economy. European economy does not go ahead. This is creating a huge imbalance in trade. China accumulated a huge advantage, [and] that is considered a problem by the Europeans and by the Americans," he said.
China’s rapid economic growth leaves Europe struggling to adjust: former UN official
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
