At the European Summit on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 June, the Heads of State or government of the 27 EU Member States will continue the strategic debate on relations with China, insisting on the need for a multifaceted political approach that views China as a partner, a competitor and a systemic rival (see EUROPE 13181/4). On Thursday 22 June, the Secretary-General of the External Action Service, Stefano Sannino, met the US Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, for the fifth high-level meeting of the EU-US dialogue on China.
In line with the similar European and American approaches to China, recalled by Mr Sannino and Ms Nuland as being results-oriented and advocating the maintenance of open channels of communication, the European Council, in its conclusions for the forthcoming summit, says it wants to pursue “constructive and stable relations, anchored in respect for the rules-based international order, balanced engagement and reciprocity”.
While the EU states that it will strive to rebalance its trade and economic relations and ensure a level playing field, it will also reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities in its supply chains and diversify, where appropriate, its activities “in order to achieve a balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial economic relationship”.
Furthermore, the European Council’s conclusions state that the EU’s policies are not designed to harm China or to thwart its economic progress.
However, while Beijing maintains its diplomatic and economic support for Moscow, the European Council recalls that China has a special responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and calls on China to put pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
The European Council also expressed concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas and the growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. It therefore reiterates its opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion, and reaffirms the principle of maintaining a ‘One China policy’.
Finally, while the Council welcomes the resumption of dialogue on human rights with China, it remains concerned about the treatment of human rights defenders and persons belonging to minorities, forced labour, and the situation in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
To view the EU Council’s conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/7qo (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)