Josep Borrell, the EU’s premier diplomat, issued a no-nonsense message during his maiden voyage to Beijing since the onslaught of the pandemic: China must recognize the European Union’s inherent geopolitical prowess and not simply view the union in the shadow of its alliances, most notably with the US.
In a candid manner, often missing from diplomatic engagements, Borrell made clear that Europe isn’t merely an economic powerhouse, but a formidable geopolitical entity.
The EU’s Assertive Stance on Global Affairs
The recent turmoil in Ukraine acted as a metamorphic event for the European Union, catapulting it from merely an economic entity to a genuine player on the world’s geopolitical stage.
Borrell emphasized the new stance the union has adopted and urged China to engage with the EU without constantly filtering the relationship through a third-party lens.
This change in perspective is of prime importance, especially when global superpowers like China attempt to maneuver international alliances to their advantage.
The timing of Borrell’s visit is no mere coincidence. China, under increasing scrutiny and competition from the US, is attempting to solidify its diplomatic bonds with Europe. The United States’ intensified focus on curbing the sale of cutting-edge tech to China hasn’t been well-received in Beijing.
To add fuel to the fire, Europe too is now considering tightening the noose around the export of groundbreaking semiconductor technology to China, seemingly after considerable nudging from the US.
Wu Hongbo, Beijing’s special representative on European affairs, expressed his discontent clearly. He emphasized that decisions on Europe’s trade with China should remain a European prerogative, devoid of external influences, hinting towards the evident American influence.
Trade Imbalance and Its Potential Repercussions
Borrell didn’t mince words when it came to the ballooning trade surplus China boasts with Europe. Clocking in at a staggering €396bn last year, Borrell disputed the justification that this was solely due to productivity or competitive edge. Instead, he alluded to the possibility that Europe wasn’t being given a fair playing ground in the world’s second-largest economy.
The longstanding trade imbalance, Borrell warned, could snowball into a significant issue, especially with the impending EU elections. The imbalance isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It holds tangible implications.
If European citizens perceive this lopsided trade scenario as a threat to crucial economic sectors, or an obstacle in Europe’s march towards climate neutrality, their response could be a clarion call for stringent protectionist measures.
This sentiment is only heightened by the fact that elected European leaders are inextricably linked to the whims and wants of their electorates.
In a related but equally important tangent, Borrell also highlighted the role China could play in the Black Sea grain accord with Ukraine.
Given the recent withdrawal of Russia from the deal, citing hindrances due to western sanctions on facilitating payments, insurance, and shipping for Moscow’s agricultural exports, China’s influence with Moscow could prove instrumental.
The restoration of this deal is paramount to stave off a potential food crisis, and once again, the ball lies partially in China’s court. In essence, Borrell’s message was clear and reflective of an EU that is coming into its own.
The Union is more assertive, aware of its weight in global affairs, and is ready to hold its ground. China, along with the rest of the world, would do well to recognize this renewed vigor and engage accordingly.
