Today in Stockholm, Minister Wopke Hoekstra and his 26 EU colleagues are evaluating proposals to ‘review’ relations with China. Foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell argues in it for a stronger and more independent attitude towards the emerging world power. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also notes that “the aspects of competition and rivalry in relations with China have increased”. Though Germany is careful to act in a way that does not jeopardize its close economic ties with China.
“System Rival”
Baerbock referred to the current European view of China. This can sometimes be a partner, sometimes a competitor, but sometimes it can also act as a “rival of the system”. Hoekstra has previously said, like her, that the emphasis is more on competition and rivalry, but she does not mean that the EU and China are more opposed to each other than before. You argue that Europe “continues to seek a partnership with China”, but must also respond to China’s actions. And that’s what worries him, with China’s refusal to let Russia down.
In any case, the 27 EU countries have to deal with a more ‘unified’ China, underlines Hoekstra’s Swedish colleague Tobias Billström. His country holds the presidency of the EU for six months. He sees “room for improvement” in that area.
The tension is building
In recent days, tensions have also risen between Beijing and Brussels over European plans to punish Chinese companies for helping Russia. Borrell proposes to impose sanctions on them for circumventing the punitive measures against Moscow. China protests fiercely and Germany, among others, hesitates.
Some EU countries have suggested asking European companies to agree with Chinese and other buyers that they would not resell chips and other items to Russia. But that’s not enough, says Hoekstra. ‘I don’t think this is something you can just outsource to companies. Governments must clearly take the lead in this.”
Ruth
Prime Minister Mark Rutte wants to be “cautious” about discussions not to talk to countries anymore because the Netherlands have different views. “I really have to stress this,” the prime minister told press questions about relations with China. This is very bad for the country. Bad for our economy, but certainly bad for our political influence.”
On Thursday, both Rutte and the king received Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. This has been criticized due to China’s human rights violations, the country’s attitude towards Taiwan, and major concerns about Chinese espionage. However, Rutte speaks of an “important relationship”. You don’t like it when you say, “We should stop talking to all these countries.”
Alarming reports
Last month, the AIVD and MIVD security services published alarming reports of espionage by China. Dutch businesses and educational institutions are large-scale targets of Chinese espionage, according to the military intelligence and security service. The General Intelligence and Security Service called China the biggest threat to the economic security of the Netherlands.
Rutte declined to give details of the conversation with Han. However, human rights have been discussed, according to the prime minister.