EU Foreign Policy Chief Balances De-Risking Strategy During Visit to China
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to arrive in China this week, aiming to navigate the bloc’s de-risking strategy amid rising tensions. The visit, which had been postponed twice this year, is expected to focus on bilateral relations, global challenges, and trade, while laying the groundwork for an EU-China summit later in the year.
The timing of Borrell’s trip is significant, coming just days after the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Borrell immediately convened an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers to address the situation, with China calling for all parties to cease fire. This highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China in addressing global crises and promoting peace.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, EU-China relations have been strained. While Beijing has refrained from explicitly condemning the invasion, the EU has sought to strike a delicate balance by addressing concerns about overreliance on China while maintaining economic ties. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has termed this approach de-risking rather than decoupling from China.
China has welcomed Borrell’s visit, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressing hope that it will inject new impetus into joint efforts to address challenges and maintain world peace and stability. With the world facing a volatile and turbulent situation, China and the EU, as major global forces, have shared interests in promoting global development, prosperity, and advancing human civilization.
The EU’s investigation into Beijing’s subsidies for its electric vehicle industry has further complicated the relationship. European leaders argue that these subsidies create unfair competition in their automotive market. However, China has strongly criticized the investigation, warning that it could harm trade relations between the two sides.
Dialogue between the EU and China is also likely to encompass the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While China has positioned itself as a neutral party, the EU has been critical of its stance. Trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, during his visit to China last month, expressed concern that Beijing’s position could negatively affect the country’s image.
As Borrell embarks on his visit, it underscores the significance of maintaining an open line of communication between the EU and China. Despite disagreements and tensions, dialogue is crucial for addressing global challenges, resolving disputes, and promoting a peaceful and stable world order. The EU’s de-risking approach aims to strike a balance between caution and engagement with China, acknowledging the need for economic ties while addressing concerns about overreliance. As both the EU and China navigate this delicate relationship, the outcomes of Borrell’s visit and the subsequent summit later this year will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of EU-China relations.
