Over the last few years, European leaders have switched their approach to Beijing from primarily one of forward-leaning engagement to one of select and uneven “de-risking.”
As recently as late 2020, the European Union (EU) planned to ink an ambitious investment agreement with China – despite the incoming Biden administration’s concerns. China’s state media championed it. Western columnists argued that the approaching consummation of the deal reflected Beijing’s rising global status and Washington’s own diminished position.
Much has changed in the three years since.
In May 2021, the EU froze ratification of the investment deal after Beijing imposed sanctions on European lawmakers critical of China’s human rights record. In April 2023, the EU approved USD 47 billion to secure continental semiconductor production and wean the bloc of China.
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Commentary
Parsing Europe’s Conflicted China Policy
Over the last few years, European leaders have switched their approach to Beijing from primarily one of forward-leaning engagement to one of select and uneven “de-risking.”
As recently as late 2020, the European Union (EU) planned to ink an ambitious investment agreement with China – despite the incoming Biden administration’s concerns. China’s state media championed it. Western columnists argued that the approaching consummation of the deal reflected Beijing’s rising global status and Washington’s own diminished position.
Much has changed in the three years since.
In May 2021, the EU froze ratification of the investment deal after Beijing imposed sanctions on European lawmakers critical of China’s human rights record. In April 2023, the EU approved USD 47 billion to secure continental semiconductor production and wean the bloc of China.
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