Pascal Lamy Warns EU Faces Stark Choice on China: Rebalance or Protectionism
Pascal Lamy, the former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has highlighted a pivotal choice for the European Union regarding its trade ties with China: either pursue a rebalancing or resort to protectionist strategies. Lamy, who held the WTO leadership from 2005 to 2013, pointed out that the lack of interest from Chinese officials in addressing structural macroeconomic imbalances poses a significant challenge for the EU. His remarks arise during heightened trade tensions between Europe and China. With a rich history that includes roles as chief of staff to Jacques Delors from 1985 to 1994 and European trade commissioner from 1999 to 2004, Lamy has been instrumental in the EU's development. His insights, featured in the South China Morning Post, address Europe's trade issues with China and the need for improved WTO enforcement.
Key facts
- Pascal Lamy served two consecutive terms as WTO Director-General from 2005 to 2013.
- Lamy was chief of staff to European Commission President Jacques Delors from 1985 to 1994.
- He was European trade commissioner from 1999 to 2004.
- Lamy calls Chinese authorities' lack of interest in addressing structural macroeconomic imbalance a 'huge problem' for the EU.
- He frames the EU's choice as either getting a rebalance or going protectionist.
- Lamy discusses Europe's trade tensions with China, its growth potential problem, and the WTO's need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
- The interview was published by the South China Morning Post.
- Lamy spent decades in various French government roles contributing to the building of the European Union.
Entities
Artists
- Pascal Lamy
- Jacques Delors
Institutions
- World Trade Organization
- European Union
- European Commission
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- China
- Europe