Europe moves toward pragmatic engagement with China Recalibrating diplomacy

In a world where the geopolitical landscape is constantly shifting, Europe is reassessing its approach to China. Once seen as a significant ideological adversary, China now finds itself at the center of an increasingly complex diplomatic balancing act. With President Trump's unpredictable policies and the growing challenges posed by China’s economic and geopolitical rise, Europe is navigating a path that mixes cooperation, competition, and cautious pragmatism.

In a recent opinion piece, The Economist explores the delicate recalibration of European policy, highlighting the struggle to reconcile values with the need for economic engagement.

For years, the European Union (EU) has attempted to de-risk its relationship with China, emphasizing a three-pronged strategy: viewing China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. Initially, European leaders had focused on confronting China's authoritarian ambitions, but recent shifts suggest that Europe is now softening its stance. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has moved away from strong rhetoric and now promotes a more transactional and competitive approach, acknowledging the changing dynamics of global power.

The catalyst for this reevaluation has been the war in Ukraine. While China insists on its neutrality, its continued support for Russia and its supply of materials for Russia’s military efforts have forced European leaders to question China's commitment to global peace. Despite this, Europe continues to seek opportunities for cooperation, particularly in areas like climate change, where China's dominance in green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines cannot be ignored. Yet, this economic competition, spurred by China's growing manufacturing exports, creates significant tension, especially in sectors like the auto industry, where Europe fears its companies cannot compete.

In Beijing, the Chinese government has been engaging in what diplomats describe as a "charm offensive," hoping to forge stronger ties with the West, particularly in the wake of Trump's isolationist policies. Chinese officials have expressed interest in reviving long-frozen investment deals, but they are often unwilling to make the compromises that many European leaders deem necessary, especially regarding the unbalanced trade relationship. Europe is divided on whether engaging with China can provide enough strategic advantage to overlook these disparities.

One of the most significant shifts in this evolving dynamic is the diminishing importance of China as an ideological adversary. The EU's earlier strong condemnation of China's internal human rights abuses—particularly in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong—has faded in favor of more pragmatic concerns. As China continues to grow as an economic power and an essential player on the global stage, the moral criticisms seem to take a backseat to geopolitical and economic considerations.

The main takeaway is clear: in the face of escalating global tensions and unpredictable U.S. leadership, Europe is walking a fine line with China. With so many pressing concerns, the luxury of confronting China's human rights record or its increasingly assertive foreign policy is seen as less of a priority. Instead, the EU is moving toward a strategy that seeks to manage China as a powerful partner and competitor, while quietly pushing aside ideological differences. However, this cautious approach comes at a cost, and its long-term implications for the EU's moral and diplomatic standing remain uncertain.

By Vugar Khalilov