Acceso usuarios
Maia Larose Saldana
For decades, the EU’s relationship with China has been fairly stable and beneficial, calling the state a strategic partner to the EU. In the past few years however, the rhetoric and policies have evolved to identify China as a systemic rival, causing the dynamic of the EU and its allies to shift towards a New Cold War with China. Since 2019 the EU has taken a firmer stance toward China due to various concerns including human rights abuses particularly in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and unbalanced business reciprocity.Another significant factor to acknowledge in this dynamic is U.S.-China relations which were at a historic low after the election of President Trump who launched a consequential trade conflict. Biden’s new administration has not significantly altered its policy toward China, but it is now working to recruit the EU to follow in this hardline approach as the U.S. attempts to rebuild its transatlantic partnership. However, following the U.S. stance risks exacerbating issues, such as creating a dichotomy which could push China closer to other autocratic states, including Russia. As a result, the topic of this new cold war has beome increasingly relavent, as well as how the EU should approach this possibility and the threats that follow it. While it is necessary to stand for the values of democracy, it is also important to remember China is a major global player, and for the benefit of all states, collaboration on certain topics remains crucial. Simultaneously, collaboration should not mean unrestricted cooperation in all areas. Overall, similarities with the Cold War should not entail an identical approach to the Chinese case, and the EU must work to form a united, pragmatic, response.
