European Union foreign ministers have called for a stronger stance towards China as the country's power continues to rise. The ministers discussed the issue in Stockholm, where they shared their concerns about the increased rivalry between the EU and China. The ministers believe that the strategy of "de-risking" will become the guideline for EU politics. The EU is trying to balance a harder stance towards China with preserving the supply chains that are still interlinked with the country. The bloc is seeking a common approach towards China, as it looks to manage the country's rise.
The EU's foreign affairs arm has drafted a paper to kick-start discussions, which calls on member states to avoid being drawn into a zero-sum contest between Washington and Beijing. The paper reaffirms the bloc's strategy of dealing with China simultaneously as a partner, a competitor, and a systemic rival. The ministers believe that the balance of those approaches will be conditional on how China responds to Europe's approach.
European officials have increasingly spoken about "de-risking" relations with China, but not "de-coupling." The EU's ties with China risk further tensions following the bloc's proposal to extend strict trade restrictions to several Chinese companies. The EU is looking to crack down on firms supplying Russia with banned goods that have aided its war in Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said while touring European capitals this week that China would react "strictly and strongly" to any such measures.
US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet believes that there is greater convergence on the People's Republic of China (PRC) within the EU and between the US and the EU than at any moment in history since 1949. The foreign ministers also discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis pushed for a stronger approach towards China, saying that engaging with China from a position of weakness where you declare your strategic dependence on China puts the EU in a disadvantaged position. Landsbergis also called for broader trade restrictions on sanctions circumvention outside the EU, beyond just several Chinese companies.
In conclusion, the EU foreign ministers have expressed their concerns about the increased rivalry between the EU and China and are seeking a common approach towards China. The ministers believe that the balance of their approaches will depend on how China responds to Europe's approach. They also discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and called for a stronger stance towards China.