For effective dialogue with China, the European Union must align its positions while expressing them not in a single voice, but as a well-tuned choir. Multiple voices should harmonize toward a consensus-based stance so Europe speaks with unity without sacrificing diversity of perspective. This approach was emphasized during a debate in the European Parliament after French President Emmanuel Macron visited China, a visit that sparked renewed discussions about strategic autonomy in relation to partners such as China, Taiwan, and the United States. The message was clear: Europe needs realism and unity as it reassesses its strategy to fit new conditions, underlining the territory of Taiwan as a key issue for the Twenty-Seven and calling for readjustment in approach to China.
In the debate, Josep Borrell acknowledged that EU-China relations could drift if Beijing sought to gain influence in Russia. He pointed to the ongoing conflict and urged that neutrality should not blur the line between the aggressor and the victim. Yet he also argued for continued dialogue with China, recognizing it as a global superpower with enormous influence and stating that dialogue remains the foundation of international politics. Despite the rivalry and China’s non-democratic system, cooperation on major global challenges such as climate change should not be rejected. The aim is to prevent a new cold war and to sustain engagement with the South as Western and Eastern partners alike have courted for years to shape a world order that differs from the one the West built.
Our strategy toward China should rest on four pillars: values, economic security, Taiwan, and Ukraine. These focus areas highlight the strategic importance of Taiwan and Ukraine, the latter being a critical supplier of semiconductors to the EU. Taiwan is described as a vital strategic conduit for Europe’s trade, underscoring the need to safeguard regional peace and the continent’s broader interests without inflaming tensions.
Recalibrate the strategy
The European Union last updated its China strategy in 2019. Since then, the world has changed, Europe has changed, and the European strategy must adapt accordingly. Ursula von der Leyen accompanied French leadership on the Beijing trip, describing the visit as necessary to resolve misunderstandings. She cautioned about Beijing’s human rights stance and noted that maintaining a constructive dialogue is essential because this relationship is too important to redefine from scratch. Concerns were raised about economic coercion against member states, such as maritime pressure and actions in Lithuania.
On Beijing’s strategy of control and dependency, von der Leyen stated that China has moved from an era of reforms and openness toward an era of security and control. European leaders recognize China as a vital partner while insisting on transparency, predictability, and reciprocity in the relationship. They want China to treat European companies on an equal footing in the Chinese market, to ensure transparency in subsidies and to protect intellectual property.
Beyond this, there are clear risks linked to the intertwining of China’s commercial and military sectors. The aim is to prevent capital, expertise, and knowledge from being used to strengthen the military and intelligence capabilities of competitors. European leaders are evaluating gaps in legislation that could allow sensitive technologies to leak through foreign investments, and they are considering whether and how Europe should deploy an investment vehicle for a small but highly sensitive set of technologies to safeguard strategic interests. These discussions reflect a broader intent to rebalance relations with China through openness, transparency, and firm safeguards for European strategic assets. Moon of considerations continues to center on how to respond to a rapidly evolving global landscape while keeping the European market secure.