German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged that the European Union lessen its heavy dependence on China, arguing for a more resilient approach in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In comments reported by Bloomberg, she outlined a strategy that would mirror some aspects of how Western powers balance risk with broad engagement, emphasizing that the bloc should act decisively where vulnerability exists while maintaining essential ties where cooperation remains vital. Baerbock stressed that Europe must be ready to defend its own interests without naivety, signaling a shift toward a more cautious and strategic posture rather than a full severance of trade and cooperation.
She described the EU’s current path as one of de-risking rather than decoupling, calling for partnership on climate initiatives while positioning Europe as a counterbalance to Beijing in the realm of advanced technologies. The goal is to strengthen critical supply chains, safeguard strategic sectors, and reduce exposure to political leverage, all while recognizing that China remains a major global player whose engagement cannot be abruptly ended in today’s interconnected world. The emphasis is on resilience, diversification, and responsible competition that protects European standards, values, and economic security.
Baerbock also weighed in on the European Commission’s ongoing review of potential tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China. She cautioned that over-dependence could expose Europe to risks and undermine competitiveness if external dependencies become a choke point. The comments align with a broader European debate about how to balance openness with protective measures that shield domestic industries and energy-transition goals.
The discussion comes as NATO has previously criticized Beijing for actions perceived as attempts to influence or discredit policies across member states. In this context, European leaders are examining how allied security frameworks intersect with trade and technology strategies, aiming to preserve unity among EU members while navigating the complexities of China’s growing role in geopolitics. The broader takeaway is a careful calibration: engage where cooperation is beneficial, challenge where competition is warranted, and sustain robust defenses against coercive pressures, all to maintain a stable and prosperous transatlantic relationship. (Reuters)