（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
The global economic landscape is once again witnessing seismic shifts, this time triggered by President Donald Trump’s renewed push for protectionist trade policies. 唐纳德·特朗普总统再次推动保护主义贸易政策，引发全球经济格局再次发生翻天覆地的变化。
The global economic landscape is once again witnessing seismic shifts, this time triggered by President Donald Trump’s renewed push for protectionist trade policies. Trump’s use of executive authority to impose sweeping tariffs — on allies and rivals alike — has stirred debate not just within the United States but across continents. From the streets of American cities to the corridors of Brussels and Beijing, reactions have been swift and pointed.
It is accepted that the U.S. President, under American law, has the power to impose tariffs through executive orders. Yet, with such far-reaching consequences, one would have expected thorough deliberation and broader consultation. Business communities, Congress, Senate committees, and international stakeholders should have been part of the conversation. The pros and cons needed careful anticipation. No one challenges presidential authority, but the absence of collective wisdom has made the tariffs appear abrupt and unilateral.
The backlash is telling. Protests and rallies within the U.S. have criticized the tariffs for potentially hurting American manufacturers and consumers through higher input costs and limited competition. Globally, allies feel alienated. Economies tightly woven into the fabric of U.S.-centered trade networks are scrambling to recalibrate.
Global Power Balance: The China-EU Dynamic
One of the most significant geopolitical outcomes of Trump’s tariffs is the deepening of cooperation between China and the European Union. The United States may be a $30 trillion economy, but the combined economic volume of the EU is approximately $20 trillion, while China — when factoring purchasing power parity — stands at an estimated $32 trillion. Together, China and the EU represent over half the world’s economic output.
This sheer weight provides them leverage — and responsibility — to stabilize the global economy in times of turbulence. Recent developments indicate that both sides are moving swiftly in that direction.
In a recent phone call, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to a strong China-EU partnership. Their conversation was not just symbolic; it marked the beginning of what could become a strategic counterbalance to U.S. economic unilateralism.
Premier Li rightly observed that China and the EU are each other’s most important trading partners. In 2023, trade between the two sides surpassed €856 billion (approximately $930 billion), with Chinese exports to the EU reaching €452 billion and EU exports to China standing at €404 billion. The economies are highly complementary — China offers scale and industrial capacity, while the EU brings technological advancement and regulatory sophistication.
Li’s comments carried a pointed message: “Protectionism leads nowhere; openness and cooperation represent the right path for mankind.” By presenting China as a defender of the global trading system and a partner in open economic cooperation, Beijing is seizing the opportunity created by U.S. trade aggression.
Strategic Convergence: Shared Interests and Goals
This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations — a moment not just for reflection but for reorientation. Premier Li and President von der Leyen highlighted several key areas for cooperation:
High-level Strategic Dialogues: Both parties support launching or resuming high-level dialogues in strategic, economic, digital, green, and climate sectors.
Trade and Investment: With both economies under pressure from U.S. tariffs, expanding bilateral trade makes economic sense. China offers a massive consumer market for European goods, while Europe provides advanced technology and sustainable energy solutions.
Sustainability and Climate Change: The EU’s Green Deal and China’s carbon neutrality pledge by 2060 can become anchors of joint initiatives on clean energy, emissions reduction, and environmental technologies.
Supply Chain Stability: Both regions are heavily invested in global supply chains. A coordinated effort to maintain the stability of supply chains — especially for key sectors like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and electronics — would benefit both sides and reduce dependency on unpredictable markets.
Premier Li emphasized that China’s macroeconomic policy for 2024 has built-in buffers to withstand external shocks. With significant fiscal and monetary tools at its disposal, China is poised to maintain stable growth — offering a reassuring signal to European investors and trading partners.
Political Momentum and Personal Diplomacy
Beyond economic rationale, there is also strong political momentum. China maintains close ties with several EU member states and enjoys regular engagement with European leaders. From Germany and France to Italy and Spain, Chinese diplomacy has cultivated deep economic and political relationships.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has found receptive partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Similarly, initiatives such as the China-CEEC (Central and Eastern European Countries) cooperation platform have laid the groundwork for broader collaboration.
President von der Leyen acknowledged the importance of continuity and stability in China-EU relations. Her statement reaffirmed the EU’s intent to deepen cooperation, regardless of external pressures. Plans for a future China-EU summit to celebrate 50 years of relations show the commitment to long-term partnership.
Trump’s Tariffs: A Miscalculation?
President Trump’s approach may ultimately prove counterproductive. Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who sought EU alignment against China through coordinated efforts like the Trade and Technology Council, Trump’s unilateralism has pushed Europe closer to Beijing.
Biden’s strategy was one of coalition-building — leveraging shared democratic values and mutual economic interests. Trump’s tariffs, on the other hand, treat allies and rivals alike, raising concerns in European capitals about the reliability of the U.S. as a trade partner.
Rather than isolating China, Trump’s policies have created room for China to extend a hand to Europe. The Chinese narrative of “mutual benefit,” “win-win cooperation,” and “joint development” resonates well with the EU’s values of multilateralism and open trade.
What Lies Ahead?
Looking forward, China and the EU can play a pivotal role in stabilizing global markets. They can jointly:
- Promote WTO reform to reinforce a fair multilateral trade system.
- Champion green technology standards and innovation.
- Develop cross-border infrastructure for logistics and digital trade.
- Engage in collaborative R&D in health, AI, and climate.
- Offer support to vulnerable economies impacted by global trade disruptions.
In practical terms, more joint ventures, inter-governmental consultations, and business forums will be crucial. The EU’s experience in regulatory frameworks and China’s agility in execution could lead to models of cooperation other regions might emulate.
Summary
The global economy is at a crossroads. While President Trump’s tariffs may appear disruptive — and indeed are — they have also inadvertently opened new avenues for cooperation.
China and the EU are now presented with an opportunity not just to strengthen their bilateral relationship, but to step up as joint stewards of global economic stability. In doing so, they can help shield the world — particularly developing economies — from the fallout of protectionist shocks.
The future, then, does not have to be confrontational. With the right blend of pragmatism and partnership, China and the EU can write a new chapter in global trade — one driven by mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a commitment to an open, rules-based international order.
唐纳德·特朗普总统再次推动保护主义贸易政策，引发全球经济格局再次发生翻天覆地的变化。特朗普利用行政权力对盟友和竞争对手征收全面关税的做法，不仅在美国国内，而且在各大洲都引发了争论。从美国城市的街头到布鲁塞尔和北京的走廊，人们的反应迅速而尖锐。
人们普遍认为，根据美国法律，美国总统有权通过行政命令征收关税。然而，考虑到如此深远的影响，人们应该期待进行彻底的审议和更广泛的磋商。商业团体、国会、参议院委员会和国际利益相关者都应该成为对话的一部分。利与弊需要仔细预测。没有人挑战总统的权威，但缺乏集体智慧使得关税显得突然和单方面。
这种反弹很能说明问题。美国国内的抗议和集会批评这些关税可能会通过提高投入成本和限制竞争来伤害美国制造商和消费者。在全球范围内，盟国感到疏远。紧紧融入以美国为中心的贸易网络的经济体正争相重新调整。
全球力量平衡：中欧动态
特朗普关税最重要的地缘政治成果之一是深化了中国与欧盟之间的合作。美国可能是一个30万亿美元的经济体，但欧盟的经济总量约为20万亿美元，而中国——考虑到购买力平价——估计为32万亿美元。中欧经济总量占世界经济总量的一半以上。
这种绝对的影响力为它们提供了在动荡时期稳定全球经济的杠杆和责任。最近的事态发展表明，双方正朝着这个方向迅速行动。
近日，中国国务院总理李强同欧盟委员会主席冯德莱恩通电话，双方重申致力于发展牢固的中欧伙伴关系。他们的谈话不只是象征性的；它标志着对美国经济单边主义的战略制衡的开始。
2023年，中欧贸易额超过8560亿欧元（约合9300亿美元），其中中国对欧盟出口4520亿欧元，欧盟对中国出口4040亿欧元。两国经济互补性很强——中国提供规模和工业能力，而欧盟带来技术进步和成熟的监管。
李的评论传递了一个尖锐的信息：“保护主义没有出路；开放合作是人类发展的正道。”中国把自己塑造成全球贸易体系的捍卫者和开放经济合作的伙伴，是在抓住美国贸易侵略带来的机会。
战略融合：共同的利益和目标
今年是中欧建交50周年，这不仅是一个反思的时刻，也是一个重新定位的时刻。
高级别战略对话：双方支持在战略、经济、数字、绿色和气候等领域启动或恢复高级别对话。
贸易和投资：由于两国经济都受到美国关税的压力，扩大双边贸易具有经济意义。中国为欧洲商品提供了巨大的消费市场，而欧洲则提供了先进的技术和可持续能源解决方案。
可持续发展与气候变化：欧盟的《绿色协议》和中国到2060年的碳中和承诺可以成为清洁能源、减排和环境技术联合倡议的支柱。
供应链稳定性：这两个地区都在全球供应链上投入了大量资金。维持供应链稳定的协调努力——特别是在制药、半导体和电子等关键行业——将使双方受益，并减少对不可预测市场的依赖。
凭借大量的财政和货币工具，中国有望保持稳定增长，让欧洲投资者和贸易伙伴放心。
政治势头和个人外交
除了经济理由之外，还有强大的政治动力。中国与欧盟多个成员国关系密切，同欧洲领导人保持经常性接触。从德国、法国到意大利和西班牙，中国外交已经培养了深厚的经济和政治关系。
中国的“一带一路”倡议在中欧和东欧找到了愿意接受的合作伙伴。同样，中国-中东欧国家合作平台等倡议也为更广泛的合作奠定了基础。
冯德莱恩主席承认中欧关系保持持续稳定的重要性。她的声明重申了欧盟不顾外部压力深化合作的意图。双方计划在未来举行中欧领导人会晤，庆祝中欧关系50周年，这表明双方致力于建立长期伙伴关系。
特朗普的关税：误判？
特朗普总统的做法最终可能会适得其反。与他的前任乔·拜登（Joe Biden）不同，拜登寻求通过贸易和技术委员会（Trade and Technology Council）等协调努力，让欧盟与中国结盟，而特朗普的单边主义使欧洲与北京走得更近。
拜登的策略是建立联盟——利用共同的民主价值观和共同的经济利益。另一方面，特朗普的关税对盟友和竞争对手一视同仁，这引发了欧洲各国政府对美国作为贸易伙伴的可靠性的担忧。
中方倡导的“互利共赢”、“合作共赢”、“共同发展”理念与欧盟倡导的多边主义和开放贸易理念不谋而合。
未来是什么？
展望未来，中欧可以在稳定全球市场方面发挥关键作用。他们可以共同：
推动世贸组织改革，巩固公平的多边贸易体制。
倡导绿色技术标准和创新。
发展跨境物流和数字贸易基础设施。
在健康、人工智能和气候领域开展合作研发。
向受全球贸易中断影响的脆弱经济体提供支持。
实际上，更多的合资企业、政府间磋商和商业论坛将是至关重要的。欧盟在监管框架方面的经验，以及中国在执行方面的敏捷性，可能会催生出其他地区可能效仿的合作模式。
总结
全球经济正处于十字路口。虽然特朗普总统的关税可能看起来具有破坏性——而且确实如此——但它们也无意中开辟了新的合作途径。
中国和欧盟现在面临着一个机会，不仅可以加强双边关系，而且可以加强作为全球经济稳定的共同管家。这样做，它们可以帮助保护世界，特别是发展中经济体，免受保护主义冲击的影响。
因此，未来不一定是对抗的。通过务实和伙伴关系的正确结合，中国和欧盟可以在相互尊重、共同繁荣和致力于建立开放、基于规则的国际秩序的基础上，谱写全球贸易的新篇章。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/04/11/trumps-tariffs-and-china-eu-relations-a-challenge-turned-into-opportunity/