The European Union’s recent strategic assessment highlights concerns over China’s efforts to expand its influence in Europe and position itself for systemic competition. The EU report emphasizes China’s use of industrial scale, technological advancements, and global reach to exploit instability and gain asymmetric advantages over the EU. The document also mentions the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and China, which is expected to impact strategic theaters from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.
China’s support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine is identified as a crucial factor enabling Moscow, with Beijing continuing to strive for increased influence in Europe. The report underscores the ambitions of certain powers, particularly Russia and China, to establish regional dominance and reshape the global order in alignment with their interests. It notes these efforts are sustained through military investments, technological aspirations, and economic leverage, creating challenges for perceived adversaries.
The EU report predicts that China’s growing assertiveness, coupled with the strategic competition between the US and China, will have significant implications for EU security, competitiveness, economic security, and resilience. It advocates for a stronger and more capable EU in security and defense to enhance global and transatlantic security, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with like-minded partners in navigating the evolving strategic landscape.
