As US President Donald Trump began his visit to China on Wednesday — his second state visit to China following his previous trip in November 2017 and his first during his second presidential term — European political and business figures are closely watching the bilateral relationship.

The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, supply chain disruptions and slowing growth across major economies. Some observers in Europe believe that stable China-US relations are increasingly seen not only as a bilateral necessity, but also as a prerequisite for global economic predictability and international stability.

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Ondrej Dostal, a Czech member of the European Parliament, described Trump's visit as a recognition of China's global importance and of the limits of confrontation-based policies.

Dostal argued that unilateral pressure and economic coercion have undermined international trust and damaged global trade. The world needs stable trade, mutual respect, diplomacy, infrastructure, development, and coexistence between civilizations.

According to Dostal, the leaders' meeting may also encourage European governments to reassess their own approach toward China. "If even Washington now recognizes that it must negotiate with Beijing, then European governments should finally stop pretending that confrontation with China serves European interests," he said.

Former director-general for international affairs in the German state of Hessen Michael Borchmann said the meeting carries significance far beyond bilateral ties.

Quoting a US research institute's description of the meeting as "Managing the World's Most Important Relationship", Borchmann said the phrase "absolutely fits" the current geopolitical environment.

Enhancing communication

"At a time when the world is facing growing uncertainty and fragmentation, enhancing communication, managing differences and maintaining stable China-US relations also benefits the world," he said.

Borchmann said the meeting follows last year's temporary trade truce reached in Busan, South Korea, where both sides attempted to halt escalating tariff retaliation. He expressed hope that the meeting would deepen consensus on trade and issues including the Middle East and global development.

He also referenced Xi's longstanding emphasis on stable bilateral ties. "There are a thousand reasons to make the China-US relationship a success, but not a single reason to break it," Borchmann quoted Xi as saying.

From the European business community, Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of constructive engagement between the world's two largest economies.

Speaking from a European perspective, Dewit described stable China-US relations as "very important" for global economic and geopolitical certainty.

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He noted that many European countries are facing economic recovery challenges, inflationary pressures and security concerns, and said improved China-US ties could help reduce tensions, restore investor confidence and strengthen international cooperation.

Dewit also emphasized Europe's preference for dialogue over bloc confrontation. Europe, he said, does not want to see the world divided into opposing camps and instead supports multilateralism, predictability and strategic autonomy.

As the leaders' meeting unfolds in Beijing, many in Europe will be watching closely for signs that the two major powers can stabilize relations and provide a measure of certainty to an increasingly fragmented world.

Contact the writers at zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn