the deal is facing opposition from some European members of parliament and the incoming US administration of President-elect Joe Biden. — Reuters pic
But the deal is facing opposition from some European members of parliament and the incoming US administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who say it does not address concerns about the use of forced labour by Chinese manufacturers, especially in the restive northwestern region of Xinjiang. “The China-EU investment agreement is aimed at providing more investment opportunities and sound institutional guarantees for the two sides, but to reach it requires joint efforts and to meet each other halfway,” it added.
Other critics of the deal say it might undermine Biden’s efforts to mend bridges with European allies, following Donald Trump’s divisive tenure.But Biden’s camp has been nervous about Brussels moving closer to Beijing.