EU presents (nearly) united front against China’s ‘unfair’ Belt and Road Initiative
Document denouncing infrastructure project was signed by all but one EU ambassador in Beijing as concerns grow over Chinese influence on continent
Relations between China and Europe could face uncertainty as EU member states try to build a united front against Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, observers said.
Twenty-seven out of 28 EU ambassadors in Beijing, with Hungary the only exception, are reported to have signed a document denouncing the global infrastructure project for hampering free trade and giving an advantage to Chinese companies.
The Europeans’ concerns may overshadow an upcoming summit between China and the EU, scheduled for July, as the bloc has expressed increasing concern about Beijing’s influence over the continent.
Even though China and the EU have strong trade and investment ties, the bloc has criticised China’s role in member states such as Greece, Hungary and the Czech Republic as well as its attitude towards intellectual property.
