Brussels Needs a New Narrative on China: Why Europe Must Rethink Its Approach

If Europe wants to reduce security vulnerabilities in its economic relationship with China, it must embed those policies within a strategically positive narrative — one that goes beyond simply managing risk.

That is the central argument of a new analysis examining the state of China-EU relations, which finds that Brussels has been approaching the relationship from a defensive posture that is ultimately counterproductive. By focusing primarily on de-risking and reducing dependency, Europe has failed to articulate a compelling vision for what it actually wants the relationship to become.

China-EU trade remains enormous — worth hundreds of billions of euros annually — but the political relationship has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Disputes over technology, human rights, and geopolitical alignment have eroded the trust that once underpinned the partnership.

The analysis argues that Europe needs a new approach: one that acknowledges the competitive and sometimes adversarial elements of the relationship while also identifying areas where cooperation is both possible and desirable. Climate change, global health, and arms control are all areas where European and Chinese interests intersect.

For countries like South Korea, which sits at the intersection of US-China competition, the evolution of EU-China relations is closely watched. A more strategic and confident European approach could provide a model for middle powers navigating the superpower rivalry.

The question is whether Brussels has the political will to develop — and stick to — a coherent long-term strategy. So far, the evidence is mixed.

This is Prof. David Park for Global1 News, reporting from Seoul. 🇰🇷