In a latest development, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called off his visit to China, which was scheduled for late March. This move is being labeled as diplomatically opportune, especially amid rising tensions over Taiwan. The decision comes amidst calls from European leaders for the bloc to take a stronger stance on Beijing, following the recent imposition of sanctions on EU officials by China. This article delves into the significance of this decision and the potential implications for EU-China relations.
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, cancelled a visit to Beijing due to a symptom-free coronavirus infection. However, as Emmanuel Macron’s call for Europe to adopt an independent policy on Taiwan continues to create ripples, Borrell’s condition could be diplomatically opportune. His visit to China was due to coincide with those of Brazilian president Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, who is deepening his country’s ties to China, and Germany’s hawkish foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock. With Chinese warplanes still operating close to Taiwan, the question of Europe’s approach to the issue would have been inescapable.
In remarks to journalists during his visit to China last week, Macron said that Europe should not allow its policy to be determined either by China or the United States. Macron further stated that Europeans should not be followers on the subject of Taiwan and adapt to the American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction. European Council president Charles Michel said European leaders were increasingly favourable towards the idea of strategic autonomy, although Macron’s statement drew criticism on both sides of the Atlantic.
In Beijing, where policymakers have all but given up on an early improvement in the relationship with Washington, European strategic autonomy has long been encouraged. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Weibo said on Wednesday that it was no surprise that Macron’s remarks had been unwelcome in the US. He also warned against allowing Europe to get “caught up in crises that are not ours, which prevents it from building its strategic autonomy”.
“From our perspective, a certain country is reluctant to see other countries being independent, and often seeks to coerce others into doing its bidding,” Weibo said. “But the truth is, strategic autonomy will bring more respect and friends, while coercion and pressure will only cause more resistance and opposition.”
In his meetings with Macron and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen last week, Xi Jinping said there was no possibility of any compromise in Beijing’s position on Taiwan. Beijing maintains that the self-governing island is part of its national territory and must be reintegrated, preferably by peaceful means but with the use of military force an option.
Xi was non-committal on Ukraine when Macron and von der Leyen asked him to press Vladimir Putin to make peace and to talk to Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The European leaders were polite about China’s position paper calling for a ceasefire but they believe it is too early for peace talks while the situation on the battlefield remains so dynamic.
During his visit to Beijing, Lula is expected to renew his push for peace in Ukraine, adding his voice to Xi’s and increasing the pressure from the global south to end a war.
In conclusion, Europe is pushing for strategic autonomy and not allowing its foreign policy to be determined by China and the United States. The issue of Taiwan continues to create ripples as Chinese warplanes still operate close to Taiwan after days of military exercises around the island. While Xi’s position on Taiwan remains firm, it has become increasingly difficult for Europe to ignore the issue. Lula may further add pressure to the matter as he pushes for peace in Ukraine during his visit to Beijing. Despite the criticism, it is important for Europe to build its strategic autonomy concerning issues that directly affect the continent’s interests.
