荷兰国际关系研究所-欧中协定：欧洲地缘政治觉醒的标志（英文）-2021.3-4页_366kb

EU-China Agreement: A Sign of European Geopolitical Awakening

Core Content

The document discusses the EU's decision to conclude an investment agreement with China in late 2020, highlighting its strategic implications for Europe's geopolitical positioning. It frames this agreement as a pivotal moment in Europe's shift towards strategic autonomy, marking a departure from the previous reliance on the United States for global leadership and security.

Main Views

• US Capitol Events as a Catalyst: The document references the events of 6 January 2021, where an attempted coup d'état occurred in the US. These events are seen as a sign of the US's decline in global influence and the erosion of its exceptionalist narrative.

• Strategic Autonomy for Europe: The document argues that the US's withdrawal under Trump created an opportunity for Europe to assert its own strategic independence. This is particularly evident in the EU's decision to negotiate and finalize the investment agreement with China without waiting for US approval.

• EU's Geopolitical Act: The agreement is portrayed as a significant geopolitical move by the EU, allowing it to secure better access and protection for European companies in China's market. It is seen as a demonstration of Europe's ability to act independently on the global stage.

• Transatlantic Tensions: The document notes that the US, particularly under Biden, has expressed dissatisfaction with the EU's decision, viewing it as a strategic defeat. However, it suggests that this tension is not insurmountable and that there is potential for a new form of transatlantic cooperation.

• Balancing Interests and Values: The EU's approach to China is not one of complete alignment with US interests. It emphasizes the need to balance economic opportunities with ethical considerations, such as human rights and labor practices.

Key Information

• Timing of the Agreement: The EU reached an agreement with China in late 2020, just before Biden's inauguration, which was under negotiation for seven years.

• Parties Involved: The agreement was negotiated by the European Union's leaders, including Michel, von der Leyen, Merkel, and Macron, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping via videoconference.

• US Reaction: The US, particularly through media outlets like The New York Times and Politico, criticized the EU's decision, calling it "greedy" and "naive." These reactions reflect a broader US narrative of a new Cold War and a lack of trust in European judgment.

• EU's Justification: The EU defended its decision by emphasizing the long-standing negotiations and the importance of acting in its own interest and values. It also highlighted that China had made concessions, such as agreeing to ratify the Forced Labour Convention.

• Future Outlook: The document suggests that the EU's move could lead to a more balanced transatlantic relationship, where the US does not dominate but collaborates with Europe. It underscores the need for Europe to be strong and united on democratic issues without being entirely dependent on the US.

Conclusion

The EU-China investment agreement is viewed as a bold step towards strategic autonomy and a redefinition of Europe's role in global geopolitics. While it has caused tension with the US, it also presents an opportunity for a new, more cooperative transatlantic relationship. Europe must continue to assert its own interests and values while maintaining necessary partnerships, particularly in security and defense, with the US.