China's strategic objectives towards Europe: focus on Global South and economic necessities (euobserver.com)

• China prioritizes the Global South over the EU.
• Beijing rejects EU demands on trade and rare earths.
• China leverages European divisions for bilateral influence.

"China prioritizes diplomatic and economic relations with the Global South and views the EU as secondary. Beijing leverages internal European divisions to maintain market access and advance political goals. EU demands for market access, ending overcapacity, and relaxing rare earths export restrictions are not met, as China's domestic economy is under pressure and exports to Europe are vital."