MEPs recommended to the EU High Representative and the EU Council, on Thursday 16 September, to develop a “stronger, more comprehensive and coherent EU-China strategy, uniting all Member States and shaping relations with China in the interest of the Union as a whole”, in a report by Hilde Vautmans which they adopted by 570 votes to 61 with 40 abstentions.
“China is a cooperation and negotiating partner for the EU, but is also an economic competitor and a systemic rival in an increasing number of areas”, say the MEPs.
They therefore propose that the EU strategy be based on six pillars: - open dialogue and cooperation on global challenges; - enhanced engagement on universal values, international norms and human rights; - an analysis and identification of risks, vulnerabilities and challenges “to address the political, economic, social and technological threats stemming from China”; - building partnerships with like-minded partners; - fostering open strategic autonomy, including in trade and investment relations; - defence and promotion of core European interests and values by transforming the EU into a more effective geopolitical actor.
MEPs also call for further cooperation on a range of global challenges, such as human rights, climate change, tackling global health crises and reforming multilateral organisations. They condemn human rights violations in China and call for a regular dialogue with Beijing on human rights and the introduction of benchmarks to measure progress.
MEPs also want the European External Action Service to be equipped with a mandate and resources to tackle Chinese disinformation operations, including the creation of a dedicated Far-East StratCom Task Force “focused on disinformation emanating from China”.
See the report: https://bit.ly/2XfGgQr (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)