In a strategy paper published on 10 March, the EPP group in the European Parliament has put forward an EU policy regarding China based on three principles: “Cooperate where possible, Compete where needed; Confront where necessary”.
“This approach allows the EU to react to the evolution of the bilateral relationship with flexibility”, said the group.
It supports a pragmatic, principled and practical way in which to engage with Beijing. According to the EPP group, the EU institutions and Member States must use all means to persuade the Chinese leadership to turn their country into a responsible member of the international community.
It also asks them to speak with one voice, adopting a coherent and comprehensive approach at all levels. “An effective approach to China requires a consistent, values-based foreign policy pursued loyally by the EU and its Member States”, warned the group.
The EPP Group also proposes a series of recommendations for relations with China, encompassing international cooperation, economic relations, trade, communication and human rights. It also revisited the EU’s position in the tensions between China and the United States.
See the document (in English): http://bit.ly/2N6DIiM (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)