How greater EU autonomy can boost relations with China
- Prioritising ‘strategic autonomy’ will let Europe engage with Beijing on its own terms and avoid being held hostage to fluctuations in American leadership
- Internal divisions within Europe, budget constraints and geopolitical challenges must be overcome to realise a new path forward
Macron’s overall strategy reflects the inclination for Europe to autonomously manage ties with China, independent of the United States. Amid uncertainties in US politics, Europe now hesitates to prioritise Washington’s interests over its own, signalling a noteworthy shift.
Macron has been making the visionary call for European “strategic autonomy” since 2017, and has more recently promoted the positioning of the EU as a “third superpower” alongside China and the US. While geopolitical developments validate Macron’s foresight, the concept of strategic autonomy – now integral to the EU’s geopolitical identity – still lacks tangible action.
Indeed, rallying unanimous support among member states, each with varying priorities on threats and security, poses significant hurdles. In this regard, Germany has been notably hesitant, with an apparent absence of EU leadership.