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.

Related Posts

Front Row with Mira Rapp-Hooper: What Comes Next? The Shifts in America’s Asia Policy
  It is entirely possible that 2026 will be the most consequential year in American Asia policy in recent decades. ...
George Chen in The Financial Times on Nvidia’s H200 exports
“The question of which government agency is regulating AI and the semiconductor industry in China is really complicated right now,” ...
The Asia Group Expands Tokyo Team
Tokyo & Washington, DC | January 19, 2026 – The Asia Group (TAG) is pleased to announce the addition of three senior experts ...
George Chen interviewed by CNBC on U.S.-Taiwan trade
“The semiconductor piece is crucial, a central piece of the whole deal,” says Chen. “Without the semiconductor agreement, I don’t ...
Scroll to Top

You Are Applying For:

Parsing Europe’s Conflicted China Policy

Apply Now

Submit the details below, and our HR team member will get in touch with you shortly.

The Asia Group is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. The Asia Group continually seeks to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the strategic advisory profession.

"*" indicates required fields

1Personal Details
2Questionnaire & Application Materials
3Voluntary Self Identification
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Personal Details

Name*
Address*