Former Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya has emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration between China and the European Union to tackle global challenges, speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia this week. Gonzalez Laya, in an interview with CGTN, highlighted shared priorities such as combating trade protectionism, advancing climate action, and stabilizing geopolitical tensions as key areas for joint efforts.
"The world is facing interconnected crises—from trade fragmentation to climate disasters—that demand coordinated responses," she stated. "China and the EU, as major economies, have a responsibility to lead by example in fostering open markets and sustainable policies."
Her remarks come amid growing debates over the EU’s stance on China-related trade measures, including electric vehicle subsidies and green technology partnerships. Analysts suggest that closer economic alignment could benefit both sides, particularly in renewable energy innovation and supply chain resilience.
The Boao Forum, often dubbed Asia’s Davos, has emerged as a platform for dialogue on multilateralism. Gonzalez Laya also underscored the importance of addressing the Ukraine conflict’s ripple effects on global food and energy security, urging balanced diplomacy to mitigate risks for developing economies.
