The European Union is making resolute strides towards attenuating its dependence on China, a decision taken on Friday during an EU summit.
Aiming for a delicate equilibrium between cooperation and caution, Europe’s leaders are calling this step a “de-risking” strategy that envisages a steady move towards self-sustainability and resilience.
Reducing dependencies: The million euro question
Krisjanis Karins, the Prime Minister of Latvia, labeled the complex matter of balancing the relationships as “the million euro question”.
He underscored that the strategy is a lesson drawn from past experiences of heavy reliance on Russian gas, which abruptly ceased following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Europe’s motivation lies in fortifying its position against unexpected global shifts that could potentially leave it stranded.
The Latvian Prime Minister emphasized that the crux of the strategy is to evaluate and address potential over-dependencies on China in the realm of trade.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz concurred, stating that companies are primarily responsible for the “de-risking” process, which would entail diversification over the coming years.
Evolving relationships: From reliance to resilience
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union’s heavy dependence on China for essential equipment, including masks and pharmaceuticals, became all too apparent.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte affirmed that the move towards self-sustainability will be gradual, unfolding step by step.
Since 2019, the 27-nation European Union has perceived China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. However, with the rise of China’s assertive “wolf warrior” diplomacy and the country’s strengthening ties with Moscow, Europe’s sense of caution has heightened.
“We see China more and more as a systemic rival,” stated Kaja Kallas, Estonian Prime Minister.
There’s also a push to present a united front among EU leaders, despite the nuanced differences that exist between nations like France and Germany, which have substantial business interests in China, and Lithuania, upon which China has levied sanctions.
The summit conclusions highlight that the European Union is committed to reducing critical dependencies, de-risking, and diversifying where necessary.
The bloc also urged China to encourage Russia to halt the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, while emphasizing a shared interest in maintaining stable relations.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stressed in March that the increasing firmness of China’s position necessitates Europe to de-risk both economically and diplomatically.
The Commission is also advocating for EU members to consent to stricter controls on exports and technology outflows, particularly to military use by “countries of concern”, with China being a primary focus.
As Europe inches forward in its strategic move to de-risk from China, the world watches with keen interest, marking an important chapter in the continent’s efforts to shape a more resilient future.
The path, though challenging, is a necessary stride towards economic and diplomatic independence.
