Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


EU-China Investment Deal Threatens US-Europe Relations

Natalie Liu

   Just weeks before taking office, the incoming U.S. administration of
   President-elect Joe Biden has received an unwelcome housewarming gift
   from the European Union in the form of a wide-ranging investment treaty
   agreed to in principle between the EU and China.

   The agreement, concluded this week after seven years of talks, is a
   significant coup for Germany, which saw its six-month term as EU
   president expire on Thursday and which sees China as a major market for
   its auto and other industries.

   And it may be an even bigger win for Beijing, which is facing harsh
   global criticism over its human rights record and is seeking new
   foreign investment as many companies move operations out of the country
   in response to the U.S.-China trade war and other concerns.

.