Trade & Tech Council Focuses On AI, Eschews China Issues

(MNI)-London: The fourth ministerial meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) concluded a short time ago in Lulea, Sweden. Given the differing stances between Washington, D.C., and Brussels on trade relations with China (US more hawkish, EU more dovish), in the lengthy joint statement (see link below) China was only mentioned twice by name.

• In the first instance the TTC talked of the threat non-market practices and policies from third countries, saying "We stand ready to address these practices, [...]. We have exchanged views and information regarding these types of policies and practices in the medical devices sector in China and their adverse impact on our workers and businesses, and we are exploring possible coordinated actions."
• The second instance raised the threat of foreign information manipulation and interference, stating " Russia's strategic and coordinated use of such activities in the preparation and execution of its war of aggression against Ukraine, and People's Republic of China's amplification of Russian disinformation narratives about the war, are stark examples of the dangers of FIMI, and the effects can be seen in many countries around the world, notably in Africa and Latin-America."
• Instead, the most high-profile statements came on the proliferation and advancement in AI, with the sides implementing the TTC 'Joint Roadmap for Trustworthy AI & risk management'.
• Link to joint statement: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail...