Europe seeks greater strategic independence from China

World chinaeuropean parliamenthuman rightsTop Newstrade Europe seeks greater strategic independence from China File Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping In Beijing Relevant News Europe seeks greater strategic independence from China 10 September 2026 EU proposes major overhaul of public procurement rules 10 September 2026 New Cyprus scheme lets families build extra homes up to 180 square metres 10 September 2026 Theodosis Pipis 10 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The European Union is moving towards a more cautious and assertive relationship with China, seeking to preserve dialogue while reducing economic vulnerabilities and defending the values at the heart of the European project, according to Rapporteur Hilde Vautmans. The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) has called for a stronger and more principled EU-China policy, combining engagement with greater protection of European interests. In a recommendation adopted by 44 votes to 9, with 12 abstentions, MEPs stressed that Europe should continue working with China on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security and human rights. However, they emphasised that this should be done with caution, as at the centre of todays debate is a growing concern in European capitals: how to cooperate with China without becoming dependent on it. From economic dependence to resilience The Parliament is calling for urgent action to address Europe’s exposure to China in strategically important sectors, including critical raw materials, medicines, batteries, electric vehicles, semiconductors and information and communication technologies. MEPs are advocating a rigorous “de-risking” strategy aimed at diversifying supply chains, protecting critical infrastructure and technologies and strengthening Europe’s own industrial capacity. This shift reflects a lesson learned from recent crises, most notably with the United States and the Trump administration. Economic dependence can quickly become a strategic vulnerability and concentrated supply chains may leave Europe exposed to disruption, political pressure or economic coercion, according to the committee’s press release. China’s industrial overcapacity, state subsidies and restrictions on European companies seeking access to its domestic market have further intensified concerns about the fairness of the relationship. MEPs are therefore demanding greater reciprocity and a level playing field in trade and investment. Where China fails to open its markets, they argue, the EU should be prepared to take proportionate measures. Building alternatives, not walls Nevertheless, reducing dependence on China does not mean turning Europe into a fortress. The Parliament sees stronger international partnerships as part of the answer. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, its global programme of infrastructure and investment projects, has expanded Beijing’s economic reach across Asia, Africa, Latin America and beyond. The EU’s Global Gateway, launched to support investment in infrastructure, energy, transport and digital connectivity, is intended to offer a European alternative based on transparency, sustainability and good governance. Stronger Global Gateway partnerships, particularly in Africa and Latin America, could give Europe greater room to pursue its own strategic interests while creating new opportunities for European investment and trade, pointing to a broader idea of European strategic autonomy. By offering infrastructure and investment based on transparency, sustainability and good governance, Europe can compete internationally without abandoning the principles it seeks to promote. Values are part of the strategy Economic security is only one side of the equation. The Parliament is also pressing for a stronger European response to human rights concerns in China, including repression, forced labour and policies affecting Tibet and Xinjiang. It is calling for the unconditional release of political prisoners and for a reinforced human rights dialogue. For the EU, this is more than a foreign-policy talking point as it claims that democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law are central to its identity and international influence. The challenge is to ensure that economic interests do not gradually erode those principles. A more resilient European Union therefore also means one that is capable of protecting its democratic institutions from cyberattacks, espionage, foreign interference and other hybrid threats. Strategic autonomy cannot be achieved solely through industrial investment; it also requires stronger democratic resilience at home and abroad. A relationship on European terms Rapporteur Hilde Vautmans of Renew Europe, today summed up the emerging approach by arguing that China remains an essential partner for Europe, but that the relationship must be based on clear rules, economic fairness, security and respect for human rights and international law. “China is an essential partner for Europe, but we must also be clear-eyed about the systemic rivalry in our relationship. A sustainable partnership requires clear rules: no spying, no dumping, a level economic playing field and respect for human rights and international law. With the Xi-Trump meeting, the European Council and the EU-China Strategic Dialogue ahead, this recommendation could not be timelier. Europe must finally act as one,” she stated. The message from Parliament is ultimately about recalibrating the relationship rather than abandoning it. The Parliament will vote on the report at one of its upcoming plenary sessions. 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