EU’s differences with China over trade, human rights and democracy make it shift towards Indo-Pacific region

Last updated on March 10th, 2023 at 11:03 am

European Union’s ties with China has grown cold over the last few years, particularly since 2018 when the communist nation cracked down on pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong. The nations part of the union chose to drift away over their difference of opinion with China especially over democracy, human rights, non-transparent terms of trade and economic policy. To sum up the current state of ties between the two, Yu Jie, senior research fellow at Chatam House told CNBC, “Trust is very thin”.

Things grew worse with China’s imposition of new security law in Hong Kong, which the communist regime passed in June, just after the European officials met their Chinese counterparts and raised concern over China’s handling of pro-democracy protests. Along with Hong Kong situation, Europe also openly opposed China’s muscle flexing over Taiwan and its treatment of muslim minority community of Uighur.

“We have to recognise that we do not share the same values, political systems, or approach to multilateralism,” Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said in June after a call with the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

We want to help shape (the future global order) so that it is based on rules and international cooperation, not on the law of the strong. That is why we have intensified cooperation with those countries that share our democratic and liberal values

German foreign minister Heiko Maas

Besides, EU’s frustration over trade with China rose over the latter’s indirect tactics to keep its market closed. The EU has argued that European companies working in China do not experience same levels of transparency and fair competition as provided to Chinese firms in the European market. However, the analyst believed that the two might not be able to formalise an effective trade agreement as they had earlier planned to achieve by the end of the year.

“I don’t think we will hear any significant progress,” Janka Oertel, Asia director at foreign policy think-tank the European Council on Foreign Relations, told CNBC.

The European bloc has started to explore new trade relations beyond China, which directly puts Asian-Pacific countries in limelight. EU, specifically Germany, which has been one of the largest trading partner of China in the entire continent has adopted India-Pacific strategy over China’s political, economic and human rights issues. Besides, Germany had been growing concerned over its increasing dependence over China. “We want to help shape (the future global order) so that it is based on rules and international cooperation, not on the law of the strong. That is why we have intensified cooperation with those countries that share our democratic and liberal values,” German foreign minister Heiko Maas said on September 2.

Also Read:- Malaysia positive about growth in the coming months

Rashmi Sacher

Recent Posts

The Truth About St. Patrick: 10 Surprising Facts

People misunderstand the historical importance of Saint Patrick to Ireland even though he remains its patron saint. However legends multiply… Read More

March 17, 2025

Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia: 59 Dead, Over 100 Injured

Today in the early morning a fire broke out at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia. This led to… Read More

March 16, 2025

Texas Wildfire Update: Progress Made, Evacuations in Place at Fredericksburg

Firefighters are fighting against a massive grass fire north of Fredericksburg, Texas. The fire, which had started on Saturday afternoon… Read More

March 16, 2025

Trump Slashes Funding for Voice of America in Federal Agency Overhaul

On Friday President Donald Trump used his executive authority to order big budget reductions at seven government agencies including Voice… Read More

March 15, 2025

Trump’s Travel Ban Returns? 41 Nations Face Visa Suspensions

According to an internal memo reported by Reuters now Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions on citizens from 41… Read More

March 15, 2025

US Confirms Death of ISIS No. 2 Abu Khadijah in Iraq Airstrike

In a major counterterrorism operation the United States in coordination with Iraqi security forces, has confirmed the killing of Abu… Read More

March 15, 2025

This website uses cookies.

Read More