Subscribe here: [ Ссылка ] MEP Reinhard Bütikofer: Mr President, Vice-President / High Representative, colleagues, the recent EU China summit demonstrated that we’re far from out of the woods in our relations with Beijing, and we won’t be anytime soon. Of course, we can hope that at some point in the future, China may again try to become a responsible stakeholder, but presently, let’s not fool ourselves. China is a dictatorial and totalitarian regime with global hegemonic ambitions.
I want to make just a few remarks on China’s foreign policy and our interests in that regard. Look at what happens in the Philippines neighbourhood. We have to push back hard against China’s efforts to change the facts in the sea. Maybe having multilateral patrols would be a good idea. Look at Taiwan, in January, there will be presidential election. China already threatens to coerce the new newly elected president. We should prepare for pushing back. Look at Hamas. China has not even called them a terrorist organisation. Look at the wave of dumping exports that is coming our way. Josep Borrell spoke a little bit about that. Look about Ukraine, where China supports Russia materially and politically. We have to call a spade a spade. And even as regards climate, you love saying, Vice-President Borrell, that China is a necessary partner. I would say they are necessary alright, but not yet a partner in that regard. So let’s do realistic policy and not pursue pipe dreams.
In a new report, MEPs want the EU to engage pragmatically with China on global challenges while continuing to confront Beijing over its severe human rights abuses.
Parliament recognises China’s simultaneous role as a partner but also increasingly a competitor and systemic rival to the EU. The Beijing government is strengthening its role and influence over international institutions, MEPs say, with both the intention and economic, technological and military means to reshape the international rules-based order. They say both the EU and China have an interest in pursuing active and stable relations, which should be based on international law, balanced engagement and shared global responsibilities. Yet they also highlight that China is moving into a new era of security and control characterised by increasing internal repression and an increasingly assertive economic and foreign policy.
Pragmatic engagement on global challenges, more balanced trade needed
Stressing the need for the EU to continue to engage pragmatically with China to tackle global challenges, such as climate change, financial stability risks as well as conflicts and security issues, Parliament urges the EU to engage more with China to get Beijing to stop its support for Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and helping Moscow’s circumvention of EU sanctions. Noting that the ruling Chinese Communist party does not share the same values as European democracies, they also want the European Union to respond more adequately to China’s increasing efforts to change the multilateral rules-based order through tools like the BRICS group and the Belt and Road Initiative. This can be achieved through better coordination among EU member states, more engagement with international partners and through the promotion of the EU’s own Global Gateway strategy
On economic ties, MEPs stress the need to advance the stated goal of de-risking trade flows with China to reinforce the EU’s open strategic autonomy, without turning inwards. They highlight the importance of reciprocal and balanced trade relations, to address the structural shortcoming of the Chinese market and improve fair conditions and market access for European companies.
The EU must confront China over its human rights abuses
Deploring China’s deeply worrisome human rights record, the report also urges the EU to call on the Chinese authorities to stop their crackdown on dissent and on religious and ethnic minorities, and halt their ongoing grave violations. MEPs refer to the alarming situation in Xinjiang and Tibet, but also recent and more long-term developments in Hong Kong and Macao.
They also want the EU to do more to limit Chinese control over critical infrastructure in the EU, as well as to better combat cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns originating from China, the surveillance of the Chinese diaspora in Europe, and espionage.
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