Sometimes, you need to speak plainly. The EU-China summit should have been exactly that kind of moment – but it turned into a missed opportunity.
I had hoped the EU leadership would show up in Beijing with a strong stance. Instead: plenty of polite words, little substance. Yet the situation is more than serious.
Those who support Russia’s war cannot be partners of Europe. China does exactly that – politically, economically, and rhetorically. Still, the summit remained fogged in diplomacy and appeals without consequences. Here is the Commission’s press statement on the summit outcomes. In my opinion: That’s not enough.
When it comes to human rights, we would have needed clear lines too. The systematic oppression of the Uyghurs, the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong, and the intimidation of Chinese dissidents in Europe. Instead of sending an unmistakable message, EU leaders arrived with lukewarm words.
And economically? Yes, the trade deficit with China is a problem. Yes, subsidies and dumping prices distort our markets. But even here: no concrete outcomes, no bold decisions. While China strategically expands its influence – in Europe, in our key industries, in our labor markets – we too often just watch.
Not least, we ignore Beijing’s increasingly aggressive foreign policy – threats toward Taiwan, intimidation in the South China Sea, pressure on the Philippines. Anyone who thinks this does not concern us is mistaken. Stability in the Indo-Pacific directly affects our security, our trade routes, and our future.
What frustrates me most: It was clear in advance that China didn’t attach much importance to this summit. Xi Jinping refused to come to Brussels, the second day was simply canceled. And yet, the EU leadership traveled to Beijing with pomp and ceremony – the wrong signal at the wrong time.
In short: This summit could have been a sign of strength – especially in a time when the EU must assert itself between the US and China. Instead, it was a diplomatic walk in the shadow of Chinese power politics.
What do we need? Less symbolism, more resolve. Less appeasement, more clear-cut positions.
You can find more about my expectations for the summit in my press statement from the Greens/EFA Group. And here’s my interview with Deutschlandfunk about the political message behind the summit.
