At the European Council on the morning of Friday 30 June, the EU27 discussed relations between the European Union and China. As expected (see EUROPE 13211/3), the Member States have adopted a common approach aimed at ‘de-risking’ concerning dependencies and economic vulnerabilities, without ‘decoupling’ the relationship.
“This is the first time that we have agreed on a text showing clear unity with regard to China”, said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, with satisfaction at the end of the discussions.
De-risking
“We have reached a broad consensus on the concept of de-risking”, added the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “It is not in our interest to opt for ‘decoupling’. We must minimise the economic and diplomatic risks”.
On their arrival at the EU Council on Friday morning, several Heads of State indicated that it was possible to develop good political relations with China, but pointed out, as did the Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, that it was necessary “to be less naïve and to have our eyes open, because there are many things for which we depend on China, and this is perhaps not a good thing”.
For the Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, it is important to develop a European approach to relations with China, distinct from those of the transatlantic partners, and to bear in mind that “all the connections we can have can also harm us. So we need to make sure we are connected with friends”.
Reducing dependency
On trade relations, Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš mentioned that “it was basically about assessing whether we are too dependent on China and how to reduce that dependence so that, if something changes radically in the world, we can be in a position to deal with it in the future”, explicitly referring to “the heavy energy dependence we have had on Russia”.
The EU27 therefore agreed to pursue “constructive and stable relations, anchored in respect for the rules-based international order, balanced engagement and reciprocity”, as stated in the final conclusions of the European Council.
The Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, emphasised this principle of “reciprocity” and “particular attention to the evolution of multilateralism”, which does not only concern relations with China.
Respect for human rights
From a diplomatic point of view, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, believes that “we must not sidestep the differences on the issues that cause trouble, such as human rights or support for Russia”.
In its conclusions, the European Union once again calls on China to put pressure on Russia to put an end to its war of aggression in Ukraine. The EU Council also expressed its concern at the tensions in the Taiwan Strait, reaffirming its support for the ‘One China policy’ and reaffirming the promotion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
In a press release, Human Rights Watch denounced “another weak and useless statement” in the EU Council’s conclusions. “Unfortunately, as is often the case, EU leaders were content to respond to China’s crimes and threats with weak and inconsequential language”.
To see the EU Council’s conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/7un (Original version in French by Pauline Denys with the Editorial staff)