In recent years, geopolitical relations between China and the European Union have become ‘more distant and difficult’. This is what the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen says in view of her visit to China with French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Von der Leyen, the cause of the distant relationship is the repression that China implements against the population in its own country. Furthermore, China is becoming increasingly ‘assertive’ in the field of geopolitics. “It replaces an era of reform and opening up with an era of security and control, where companies in China must help gather state intelligence.”
Despite the risks mentioned by von der Leyen, he sees it is not feasible to sever ties with China. In his opinion, it is essential to reduce the risks for Europe. He also wants Europe to continue the dialogue with China to address more difficult issues in the field of climate change and nature protection. “This is one of the reasons I will go to Beijing with President Macron.”
Economic relationship balance
Von der Leyen also wants the economic relationship between the EU and China to be “rebalanced”. This must be done, among other things, by becoming less dependent on raw materials from China, such as lithium and other important minerals. According to Von der Leyen, important steps have already been taken to reduce China’s grip on the economy, see for example the export ban faced by chip machine maker ASML. According to the president, new measures to control outward investment in sensitive technologies will follow by the end of the year.
The visit of Von der Leyen and Marcon follows that of Xi Jinping to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “How China continues to respond to Putin’s war will determine the future relationship between the EU and China,” von der Leyen said of that visit. He also holds Xi responsible for “promoting a just peace.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
