EU rethinks its approach to China

AFP :
Partners, competitors or rivals? European Union leaders are debating whether to rethink their stance on China as President Xi Jinping tightens his grip over an ever more assertive Beijing.
“In the light of the current geo-political context, we need to hold a strategic discussion on China,” European Council chief Charles Michel wrote in his invitation.
Leaders must establish “how we wish to frame this critical relationship in the future,” he added.
Torn between the desire to access China’s vast markets and condemnation of its rights abuses and aggressive regional policies, the 27-nation bloc has traditionally struggled to fashion a cohesive approach towards Beijing.
Keen to cover all bases, the EU has dubbed Beijing a “cooperation partner”, “economic competitor” and “systemic rival” all at the same time.
Now some are arguing that approach needs to stiffen as Xi pushes a more confrontational line with the West as he stands on the cusp of securing a third five-year term at the Communist Party Congress.
“The message that China is sending out today is a message of competition,” EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell said after the bloc’s foreign ministers discussed the issue on Monday.
Russia, Taiwan
EU-China relations have been tense since a major investment pact was put on ice last year after Beijing angrily hit back at sanctions over its treatment of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang.
The EU’s diplomatic service this month circulated a strategy paper, seen by AFP, that looked to balance the need to “speak, work, trade and negotiate” against pushing back on Beijing.
“Management of the EU-China relationship will be a key determinant of the EU’s future economic and geostrategic security,” it said.
One key area of cooperation remains the fight against climate change as there is recognition that progress can’t be made without the globe’s largest polluter on board.
But there are far more major areas of frustration and concern over Beijing’s stance.
Many are worried by China’s warm ties with Moscow and angered at its failure to come out against the war in Ukraine.