Foreign ministry’s European Affairs chief warns about pitfalls of protectionism, says Beijing ready to address Brussels’ concerns
3-MIN READ3-MINCao Jiaxuanin BeijingPublished: 11:00pm, 12 May 2026A senior Chinese diplomat has accused Europe of taking an outdated, inward-looking approach to China, while signalling that Beijing is open to addressing Brussels’ concerns.
Li Jian, director general of the Chinese foreign ministry’s Department of European Affairs, delivered his strongly worded speech at a high-level forum on Tuesday.
Addressing the event, Li used a string of traditional Chinese idioms and other colourful expressions to criticise Europe’s approach towards China.
11:33Balancing trade and economic rivalry: the future of Sino-German relationsHe warned that “some voices arising in Europe” sought to push China-Europe ties “away from the track of long-term cooperation” and towards “comprehensive competition, or even confrontation”.
