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French President Emmanuel Macron happily welcomed during his visit to a university in Canton on Good Friday. Stock photo.
1 of 2 Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/AP/TT
Risk minimization and not relaxation should be the EU’s model in the relationship with China, Ursula von der Leyen urges the Commission base.
Although in the EU Parliament, the debate is at least as much about French President Emmanuel Macron.
When von der Leyen and Macron visited China at the same time the other week, the aim was to show breadth and unity on the part of the EU.
But the result was rather the opposite. An interview the French president gave on the plane home has been interpreted as too pro-China, drawing applause in Beijing but critical voices around Europe and the United States.
It is also noticeable when the EU Parliament debates what the EU should have for China strategy. Not least from the right, harsh voices are frequently raised against Macron.
– Europe’s unity has been damaged, claims German Manfred Weber, group leader of the Christian-democratic conservative EPP.
– Macron is a huge problem for Europe, thinks Italian Marco Zanni, with the same role in the far-right group ID.
Standing up for Taiwan
The European Commission is considerably more diplomatic. The head of foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, states that it would be better if people could talk together more in advance, but at the same time praises Macron’s explanations after the China trip about the need for “strategic autonomy” in the EU, the cooperation with the USA and the view on Taiwan.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen states emphatically that the EU stands firm in its Taiwan policy.
– We are strongly against all unilateral changes, especially with the help of force, says von der Leyen in Strasbourg.
No relaxation
The Commission base spoke about China already before its trip to Beijing and now repeats its opinion that the EU should strive for “economic risk minimization” rather than “disengaging” in the relationship with Beijing.
It must be done with the help of a more independent and resilient, green and digital European economy and industry, and with bolder trade measures if China does not use the same rules as the EU.
Again, von der Leyen is also flagging upcoming proposals to ban the export of certain restricted goods, which “rivals” can use to strengthen their military capabilities.
Relative USA?
The Commission base is also clear that the EU must continue to cooperate with like-minded countries in the G7 – such as the United States – regarding the relationship with China.
It is also something that most people in the EU Parliament want to see.
– Even if Washington sometimes behaves like an annoying relative at the Christmas table, America will always be part of our democratic family, says, for example, the Polish social democrat and former finance minister Marek Belka in Tuesday’s debate.
Facts
Swedish voices in the China debate
Three Swedish members participated in Tuesday’s debate in the EU Parliament on the need for a coherent China strategy.
– We want to have a close relationship and expand trade, but that requires positive movement from China. We must be crystal clear about what is right and what is wrong, said Jörgen Warborn (M).
– The EU must continue to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves in China and there must be no doubt that Europe stands up for Taiwan, said Karin Karlsbro (L).
– If we are to cope with the climate threat, China must be included in the climate work, but when we do so, we must sharpen our demands and be extremely clear on increased human rights, better working conditions and the right of regions and countries to independence, said Erik Bergkvist (S).
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