“China’s Dominance in Global Diplomacy: EU Seeks Common Approach to Reduce Dependence”

International

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – China is increasingly showing its country’s strength in international diplomacy. This can be seen from the European Union (EU) foreign ministers meeting on Friday (12/5/2023).

During the meeting, the ministers sought a common approach to reducing Europe’s dependence on China. Not only that, the ministers are also looking for ways to persuade Beijing to take a tougher stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The EU also urged the 27 EU countries to have the same understanding regarding relations with China. According to them, Beijing is now more resolute in increasing its influence on the world stage.

Speaking at the European Parliament this week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged ties had become tighter as competition on China’s side had increased.

Scholz reportedly supports calls to cut Europe’s dependence on China for key materials, but is in no mood to cut all ties with the world’s second largest economy.

“There is a desire to avoid confrontation with China, even if the dispute multiplies,” said Elvire Fabry of the Jacques Delors Institute think tank. AFP.

The EU has previously angered Beijing by proposing to limit exports of sensitive technology to eight Chinese companies it suspects shipped to Russia.

On a tour of Europe this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned Beijing would take a “necessary response” if the EU moved forward with any sanctions.

In Berlin, Qin clashed with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, who insisted that China’s self-proclaimed “neutrality means siding with the aggressor” when discussing Ukraine.

Meanwhile, French foreign minister Catherine Colonna tried to soften the tone when she met Qin. He insisted that China had an important role to play for “global peace and stability” in trying to mediate.

Currently, the EU formally categorizes China as partner, competitor and rival altogether, and there are no plans to discontinue that approach. But EU officials say the emphasis may now move toward competition rather than cooperation.

EU ministers will follow up their China discussions with a meeting on Saturday with counterparts from the Asia-Pacific region.

(luc/luc)