Alexei Pushkov, who leads the Federation Council’s information policy and media relations commission, commented on recent diplomatic moves by European leaders. He noted that after French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock traveled to Beijing with the aim of shaping China’s stance. Pushkov suggested that Baerbock’s visit mirrors the expectations set by the prior EU officials and that Berlin appears to be trying to couple economic concerns with political messaging in its outreach to Beijing. In his view, Berlin is signaling that Europe’s future ties with Beijing will be influenced by how China responds to Western priorities, particularly on issues related to Russia. Yet, Pushkov asserted that the overall effect of Baerbock’s diplomacy would likely resemble the outcome of von der Leyen’s recent engagement, with Beijing maintaining a cautious stance toward European leverage.
As the senator observed, China has made clear that it seeks constructive dialogue with Europe, but it will resist any perception that European countries can dictate terms in their relationship with Beijing. He emphasized that economically, China does not need the European Union any less than Europe needs China, highlighting a mutual dependence that underpins both sides of the ongoing strategic conversation. The dialogue, in his assessment, remains essential for managing tensions and sustaining stable economic exchanges, even as political signaling continues to evolve in response to shifting global dynamics. Pushkov’s analysis points to a broader pattern in European diplomacy: the effort to engage Beijing without appearing eager to compromise core strategic interests, while also avoiding unintended escalations that could destabilize markets and supply chains across North America and beyond.
Earlier reporting indicated that Baerbock urged the European Union not to overlook rising tensions around Taiwan and the potential for a military scenario involving China, warning that such developments could reverberate through the world economy. The emphasis on Taiwan underscoreed a broader Euro-Atlantic concern about regional security and its implications for global trade, investment, and energy markets. The discourse reflects a shared concern among European policymakers that an escalation in cross-strait tensions could disrupt supply lines, affect investment confidence, and complicate relations with allies across the Atlantic. This stance aligns with the broader objective of maintaining open channels for diplomacy while preparing for a range of contingencies that could impact economic growth in both the EU and its partners in North America.