Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) MEPs in Strasbourg have called for a unified and consistent strategy towards China in the face of its continued rise as a global economic and political power.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stressed the importance of a united approach, stating that although there are multiple voices within the EU, at least they need to be on the same wavelength.
Borrell highlighted EU relations with China and the need to keep talking, despite recent tensions due to EU sanctions, difficulties with Lithuania, and Chinese military exercises in the Strait of Taiwan. He emphasized that the EU cannot stop talking to China because of its significant influence in the world, especially in the global south.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the need for a distinct approach towards China, which considers the EU’s own interests and Beijing’s rise as an international actor. She rejected decoupling as an option for Europe, stressing the need to work on de-risking sensitive parts of the EU’s relationship with China.
Von der Leyen called for a clear-eyed picture of the risks and opportunities in EU engagement with China and emphasized the importance of leaving room for cooperation with other partners.
MEPs emphasized the need for a coherent and unified strategy towards China, based on reciprocity, mutual respect, and respect for international law. They urged the EU to defend its economic interests and values while not being confrontational. Some criticized the recent statement by French President Emmanuel Macron on Taiwan, stating that it is naive to say that Taiwan does not concern Europe.
MEPs also highlighted China’s oppression of Uyghurs and other minorities in the Xinjiang region and urged the EU to continue pushing Beijing to respect human rights, saying these rights are at the core of the EU’s foreign policy, not an afterthought. Overall, the call for a coherent strategy towards China reflects the EU’s need to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by China’s rise as a global power.
