France, Germany and the European Commission have called for greater reciprocity with China as they sought on Tuesday to present a united front to President Xi Jinping in Paris.
President Emmanuel Macron of France has rolled out the red carpet to Mr Xi this week, first in Nice then in the French capital. Both have come out strongly in favour of defending a multipolar world in the face of trade tensions with America.
But behind the champagne and handshakes lies deep suspicion over whether Europe should treat China as friend or foe.
Some accuse the Asian giant of playing a double game – supporting more European integration but driving a wedge between member states via a major infrastructure deal with Italy on Saturday, in what could be seen as a bid to take control of strategic EU assets.
While China’s pledge to buy 300 Airbus planes for its domestic air fleet was warmly welcomed, critics say it has failed to open its markets to foreigners while demanding technology transfers and unfairly boosting its own companies through subsidies.
THIBAULT CAMUS/AFP
Ahead of an EU-China summit on April 9, the European Commission this month labelled China a "systemic rival" and presented a 10-point plan proposing a more assertive relationship with Beijing.
"Of course there are differences and competition, but it’s positive competition,” said Mr Xi on Tuesday. ”We are advancing together. We shouldn’t let suspicions lead us to be constantly looking backwards."
"Cooperation pays better than confrontation,” responded Mr Macron.
Europe is seeking pledges from China that its vast Belt and Road project, also known as the "new Silk Road”, will be carried out in partnership with the EU.
The initiative is a "very important project" and "we, Europeans, want to play a role," said Mrs Merkel.
"That must lead to reciprocity and we’re having a bit of trouble in finding it," she added.
The European Commission also unveiled a plan Tuesday to assess the security risks of authorising 5G telecoms networks, with suspicions hanging over Chinese giant Huawei. America has accused the firm of links to Chinese intelligence, which it denies.
The Commission said it wants to develop a "toolbox" of measures by the end of the year to combat cybersecurity risks across the EU.
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