Wang Yi to Europe: leave protectionist attic, join the China market gym

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi used a striking fitness metaphor to challenge European economic policy, urging leaders to 'step out of the protectionist attic' and 'join the gym' of the Chinese market to 'build muscle.' The comments, delivered at a high-profile press conference on the sidelines of China's annual 'Two Sessions' political meetings, represent a direct rhetorical counter to the European Union's strategic 'de-risking' from China. Wang framed the massive bilateral trade relationship—which reached 5.93 trillion yuan ($860 billion) in 2025—as one of 'complementary advantages' where a 'dynamic balance is entirely within reach.'

Wang's central argument was that economic security is not achieved through isolation. He explicitly stated that 'building fences and barriers will only lead to self-isolation,' and that 'interdependence is not a risk, intertwined interests are not threats.' This is a clear pushback against policies in Brussels aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains and technology. The speech underscores Beijing's growing concern over Western 'bloc politics' and its desire to maintain open access to the European market while positioning its own economy as an essential arena for global competitiveness.