**BEIJING**: In a significant phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the "symbiotic" relationship between China and the European Union, expressing hope that the EU can become a "trustworthy partner for cooperation." This call marks a pivotal moment as global economic dynamics shift, notably with escalating trade tensions between China and the United States.

During their discussion on January 14, Xi asserted that mutual respect, equal treatment, and sincere dialogue between China and Europe are critical for advancing cooperation and achieving substantial outcomes. This sentiment comes as the world’s second-largest economy braces itself for potential tariff hikes under the incoming Biden Administration, which is set to take office on January 20.

Highlighting the complexity of the current international situation, Xi urged for enhanced strategic communication and increased mutual trust between China and the EU. He pointed out that the economic and trade collaboration between these two powers is not only complementary but mutually beneficial, and he called for the development of new avenues to expand this partnership.

Despite the positive tone of the conversation, tensions linger between China and the EU, especially regarding the EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the atmosphere remains fraught as China continues to engage in fierce exchanges with the US, characterized by countermeasures aimed at restricting tech and essential material exports.

In a related development, the Biden Administration recently announced further restrictions on the export of artificial intelligence chips and technologies to various countries, including China. This move has drawn criticism from China’s commerce ministry as well as its semiconductor industry association, which labeled the US regulations as an example of "technological hegemony."

As both China and the EU navigate the shifting tides of global trade, leaders are now being urged to foster cooperation in key sectors such as technology, sustainable development, and climate change, areas where both sides could achieve significant progress despite rising geopolitical challenges. The evolving relationships are less about cooperation versus competition—it's more about finding balance and shared interests in a tumultuous global landscape.

Stay tuned as we continue to track how these ongoing discussions may reshape the future of international trade relations.