EU seeking engagement with India and China amid Trump’s pressure
75 years have elapsed since diplomatic ties got established between India and China and similarly it is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties between China and the EU.With changing global landscape in both the strategic sphere and economic sphere, European Union is now desperately seeking to build bridges with both the Asian giants who are now true global powers.
In the face of internal and external challenges, the EU is forced to reassess its relationship with both India and China and make corresponding adjustments.
Internally, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has dealt a serious blow to Europe’ s economy and society, resulting in economic sluggishness, fiscal deficits, energy shortages and high inflation.
Externally, the new US administration shows an unwillingness to commit to European security, and threatens to impose far larger tariffs on the EU, which has further exacerbated the anxiety and outrage within the EU.
Trade data demonstrates that the power of market laws is gradually penetrating the political barriers, guiding the bilateral ties toward pragmatic cooperation and mutual benefit.
Nevertheless, the existing contradictions and problems in relations cannot be resolved solely through increasing visits of European officials to India and China.
While there is significant potential for bilateral cooperation in terms of economic structure and technological complementarity, the crux lies in the mind-set of European decision-makers.
The contradictory statements from EU officials reflect the complexity of the trilateral relationship between China, the US and Europe.
Both the US and Europe perceive China’s rise as a major challenge to the Western hegemonic system and see China as a “systemic rival.”
Meanwhile they have been trying to woo India and get her to join their bloc unsuccessfully. Thus the imposition of high tariffs and the strict scrutiny of investments in the West are strategic measures rather than impulsive reactions.
The EU is also facing pressure from the US. The growing rifts with the US, the escalation of trade conflicts and the decline in political mutual trust have all caused considerable anxiety among EU decision-makers.
As a result, maintaining close economic ties with both India and China has inevitably become a strategic option for the EU and its member states when the transatlantic relationship is fracturing.
The EU- India and EU – China relationship have been “one of the most intricate and important anywhere in the world” and how to manage it will be “a determining factor” for Europe’s future economic prosperity and national security.
These relationship need to be rebalanced and all must find solutions in mutual interest. Senior EU leaders are now reflecting on the rigid dynamics that have characterized bilateral ties in recent years. EU’s pursuit of greater strategic autonomy and its willingness to engage with India and China is a positive development.
However, given the EU leaders’ swaying attitudes both Asian Giants should strive to find common ground with the EU amid competition and interest balancing.
Taking the 75th and 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations as an opportunity, Europe should enhance political trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and steer bilateral relations with both India and China onto a path that is conducive to global economic growth, global governance cooperation and sound development.
