Group 1 - The article discusses the challenges faced by European Union (EU) companies in acquiring rare earth resources from China, highlighting the EU's dissatisfaction with China's export restrictions on these materials [1][4] - During the 13th round of strategic dialogue held in Brussels, EU Foreign Minister Karas and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed various geopolitical issues, reaffirming the EU's commitment to constructive engagement with China [1][4] - The EU's concerns primarily revolve around trade and the geopolitical implications of the Russia-Ukraine war, with rare earth materials being a significant point of contention [4][7] Group 2 - The EU has called for China to lift its restrictions on rare earth exports, arguing that such policies distort market rules and pose significant risks to European companies, thereby affecting global supply chain reliability [4] - The CEO of the EU's first lithium hydroxide battery factory expressed frustration over the difficulty in securing critical raw materials, suggesting that the situation is so dire that it feels like applying to become a province of China [4] - The EU is urging China to reconsider its economic relationship with Europe to create a fair competitive environment and improve market access conditions [4]

Group 1 - The G7 finance ministers and central bank governors concluded a three-day meeting in Canada, committing to address "excessive imbalances" in the global economy, which is perceived as a veiled criticism of China [1] - The joint statement emphasized the importance of a "fair competitive environment" and the need for coordinated action against countries that do not adhere to the same rules and lack transparency [1] - The statement also highlighted the increase in "low-value goods," suggesting potential strain on customs and tax systems [1] Group 2 - Experts noted that the G7's statement serves as a justification for the U.S. government's trade pressure on China, although there is uncertainty about whether this will lead to collective action [2] - The joint statement did not address U.S. tariffs, which have been a source of significant contention among G7 members, indicating deep divisions within the group [2] - The meeting is seen as a precursor to the upcoming G7 summit scheduled for June 15-17 in Alberta, Canada, where further discussions on these issues are expected [2]

Group 1 - The G7 finance ministers and central bank governors are committed to addressing the issue of "excessive imbalances" in the global economy [1] - There is a need for a unified understanding of how "non-market policies and practices" undermine international economic security [1] - The draft communiqué calls for an analysis of "market concentration and the resilience of international supply chains" [1] Group 2 - The G7 leaders emphasize the importance of a "fair competitive environment" and the need for a coordinated approach to address harm caused by countries that do not adhere to the same rules and lack transparency [1] - The G7 is considering increasing sanctions against Russia if a ceasefire agreement cannot be reached with Ukraine [1]

Group 1 - The forum held in Beijing on May 14 commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, focusing on themes of balance, commitment, and responsibility [3][6] - Former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier emphasized the importance of Europe maintaining independent foreign policies and highlighted that 85% of global trade occurs outside the US, with China being a key trading partner for the EU [3][4] - The bilateral trade volume has significantly increased from €2 billion annually to approximately €2 billion daily, showcasing the depth and breadth of China-EU relations [6] Group 2 - There are concerns regarding trade imbalances, with China's trade surplus with the EU increasing by 39% year-on-year as of April, leading to competitive pressures on some European companies [6][7] - The ongoing negotiations regarding Chinese electric vehicle imports illustrate the complexities of trade relations, with both sides recognizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation [7] - Despite external uncertainties, foreign investment in China remains strong, indicating that the Chinese market continues to attract European companies [7]

【文/观察者网 熊超然】 据路透社4月23日报道，德国梅赛德斯-奔驰集团股份公司董事会主席康林松（Ola Kaellenius）在中国参加活动提及中欧关税争端时表示，其公 司敦促欧盟找到一个"公平的解决方案"，为中国制造的电动汽车在欧洲创造一个公平的竞争环境。 "我们需要寻求双赢。在开放市场中，关于公平竞争环境的讨论始终是合理的。但纯粹的关税壁垒是你能使用的最粗暴的手段。" 康松林表示："我们希望欧盟和中方谈判代表能够达成一个公平的解决方案，根据我所了解到的情况来看，他们正在进行讨论。历史的经验教 训告诉我们，充分竞争的经济体最具创新力。这就是我们想要的。" 值得注意的是，这已经不是康松林第一次谈及中欧在电动汽车领域的贸易争端以及公平竞争的相关问题。今年年初，康林松曾表示，欧盟应当 鼓励中国汽车制造商在欧洲开设更多工厂，以此作为取消对中国进口电动汽车征收惩罚性关税协议的一部分。 同时也是欧洲汽车制造商协会（ACEA）主席的他指出，几十年前，中国曾要求欧洲汽车制造商在华投资以进入其市场，这一做法或许可以作 为解决当前欧中贸易争端的一部分。 "没有人否认公平竞争环境是一个合理的讨论。问题在于，你要使用什么工具？" ...