SARAJEVO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Closer cooperation between European countries and China is crucial in view of the instability caused by an unpredictable United States administration, a leading figure in Bosnian-Chinese relations stressed in a recent interview with Xinhua.
President of the Bosnian-Chinese Friendship Association Faruk Boric highlighted such challenges as geopolitical tensions, energy crises and the reorganization of global supply chains, saying: "It is time for Europe to awaken, reflect, and seize the opportunity to cooperate with China and other countries."
The European Union (EU) has traditionally been an ally of the United States, Boric said. However, this relationship has been undermined by U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable behavior, which has thrown the world into crisis.
"EU-China cooperation is not optional, but a shared responsibility bestowed by our time," the expert stressed.
Boric, who is also the executive director of the Center for Promotion and Development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), emphasized China's crucial role in stabilizing global supply chains, promoting green development, and enhancing connectivity.
China's path of modernization offers valuable lessons for the world, he underlined, particularly in addressing global issues such as unequal development, environmental challenges, and digital transformation.
Europe, with its strong technological capabilities and industrial foundation, stands to benefit greatly from increased collaboration with China, which will drive regional and global sustainable development. As two of the world's largest economies, the EU and China must overcome misunderstandings and seize the opportunity for cooperation, he added.
Boric also emphasized the role of BiH in building bridges between the EU and China. Although Bosnia is a small country, as a neighbor of the EU and a potential member of the bloc, Bosnia can offer a platform for pilot projects related to the BRI, he said.
As EU-China cooperation grows in areas including green energy, digital economy, and infrastructure, Boric expressed his confidence that Europe will adopt a more pragmatic, open approach to its relationship with China, moving away from external pressures.