EU wants uniform policy towards China

In view of China’s growing influence and prestige, the European Union wants to outline a common policy towards that country. EU foreign ministers are starting talks on Friday to that end.

There is not much disagreement in Europe that relations with China cannot continue as normal in the context of tacit support for Russia in the Ukraine war and tensions over Taiwan. However, as in other crises, some differences remain among the member states of the European Union. To eliminate that weakness, the EU has taken the initiative to adopt a common policy towards China through mutual coordination. The initiative is aimed at reducing dependence on China and encouraging it to take a tougher stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

It should be noted that in 2019, in a joint declaration, the EU described China as a partner, competitor and ‘systematic’ rival at the same time. Since then, Europe feels that China’s position as a competitor and competitor has become stronger.

EU foreign ministers are set to outline a common policy towards China on Friday in Stockholm, Sweden. In a speech to the European Parliament this week, German Chancellor Olaf Schaltz acknowledged that the bilateral relationship is strained by growing competition from China. But instead of severing ties with that country, he called for “smart de-risking” to reduce Europe’s dependence on critical components.

The EU, however, is not afraid to go on a confrontational path with China. Recently, Brussels imposed a ban on the export of advanced technology to eight Chinese companies. The EU suspects that the technology could end up in Moscow’s hands along the way. China has shown strong anger as a result of such action. Chinese Foreign Minister Chin Gang, who is visiting Europe, has warned of a ‘necessary response’ from Beijing. German Foreign Minister Annalena Bierbock told him bluntly that China’s declared neutrality on the Ukraine war question was practically tantamount to support for the aggressor.

While some European countries, including Germany, have taken a tougher stance towards China, other EU members are hesitant to pander to Beijing. French President Emmanuel Macron said after a visit to Beijing last month that the EU does not need to fully follow US policy on Taiwan. That comment sparked a heated debate in Europe. During the Chinese foreign minister’s visit, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna noted China’s important role in maintaining ‘global peace and stability’.

There is no doubt that a common EU policy towards China will not be easy given such divergent attitudes. No clear outcome is expected from EU foreign ministers on Friday either. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday that preventing China’s rise as a superpower was not important. It is important to control how China will exercise that power. Also, the EU wants to coordinate with other regions on the issue of China. Therefore, on Saturday, the EU colleagues will also discuss China with the foreign ministers of the Asia-Pacific region.

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