Overall, the exchange between Macron and Xi went something like this: warm and heartfelt. Nevertheless, relations between Europe and China have undergone qualitative changes in recent years. In addition to the Ukraine conflict, disagreements are growing on the following issues: tradeand technologyit has long been the glue of bilateral relations.
At the same time, Europe has no interest in participating in a new Cold War against China, nor is it economically in a position to do so. cut off from china. Instead, Europe seeks to carve out its own strategic space through a principled multi-alliance strategy that upholds its core values and fosters strong and constructive relations with new and old powers in the Indo-Pacific region. There is. Europe wants to be a sovereign country, not a vassal state.
03:58
President Emmanuel Macron thanks Xi Jinping for his ‘promise’ not to sell arms to Russia
President Emmanuel Macron thanks Xi Jinping for his ‘promise’ not to sell arms to Russia
The changes in Europe-China relations over the past decade cannot be underestimated. Just a decade ago, pre-Brexit European powers such as the UK actively courted China and supported Chinese-led efforts. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Over the years, China has increased its influence across Europe, and Italy has joined it. One Belt One Road Initiative In the Balkans and Eastern Europe, China has proven more diplomatically successful, signing strategic cooperation agreements with a number of post-communist countries.
But Europe is feeling uneasy due to a combination of China’s rise as a global technology power, its increasing maritime claims in the Indo-Pacific, and its growing ties with anti-Western powers such as Russia.
Meanwhile, Europe is facing increasing pressure from the United States to “avoid risks” from China, especially in cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors. sanctions and trade barriers Once-thriving bilateral trade is beginning to be hampered. For the European Union, China is not only a partner, but also an economic competitor and institutional rival, highlighting the structural frictions in the bilateral relationship. This comes on top of lingering tensions over human rights issues and allegations. Chinese influence operations In Europe.
Needless to say, the 27 EU member states, and even post-Brexit Britain, do not share the same strategic view of China. Nevertheless, European powers, mainly France and Germany, A clear China strategy At three levels.
To begin with, major European countries are reluctant to participate in any decoupling strategy toward China. In fact, there is some question as to whether a more modest attitude should be adopted. “Risk avoidance” approach It is possible or even desirable.
Despite stiff competition and potential, technological theft, Germany’s leading car company is investing deeply in the Chinese market. This is why German Chancellor Olaf Scholz brought a large business delegation with him on his recent visit to Beijing. Increasing trade tensions.
France, on the other hand, relies heavily on Chinese consumers. export of luxury goods. During Xi’s visit, President Macron thanked his guests for being “open about France’s interim measures on cognac.”
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How will France’s ambitions as a world leader affect China-US relations?
How will France’s ambitions as a world leader affect China-US relations?
Apart from their own economic dependence on China, Europe’s major powers have a direct interest in preventing a new Cold War between the United States and China. After all, Europe remains heavily dependent on U.S. aid in dealing with Russia and especially Ukraine, so the United States cannot afford to be distracted by conflicts in other regions.
Above all, Europe wants to preserve its traditions. strategic autonomy We will carve out our own path on the world stage. As President Macron said last year, “Being an ally does not mean being a client state… It does not mean we do not have the right to think for ourselves.”
Therefore, the European Union has its own Indo-Pacific Strategyaims to expand its strategic footprint in the world’s most dynamic regions. Rather than side with the United States or China, major European powers are pursuing warmer relations with Asia’s other emerging powers: India, South Korea, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
European powers such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are also starting to step up. Conducting naval patrols in the waters of Asia. France provides submarines and advanced weapons systems to Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, and both countries currently Visiting Forces Agreement.
France has also conducted joint naval exercises with the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, underscoring Europe’s active defense diplomacy in Asia. Overall, Europe aims to be an autonomous, constructive and consequential arbiter of the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, where the future of the world order will be determined.
Richard Heydarian is a Manila-based scholar and author of Asia’s New Battlefield: US, China and the Struggle for Western Pacific and the forthcoming Duterte’s Rise.
