EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Hints at Possible Policy Shift Towards China

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, recently commented on the EU’s three-part policy towards the Chinese government (“partner, competitor, and systemic rival”).

EU-China Relations to be Discussed at European Council

Borrell and EU heads of states will have another occasion to discuss EU’s relations with China at the European Council in late June, before a possible EU-China Summit later this year.

Human Rights Ignored in Borrell’s Commentary

Borrell’s proposed fix for “differences” on values between the EU and Beijing is to remove obstacles to the free flow of ideas and Europeans in China, but he fails to address accountability for Chinese government crimes against humanity and freeing wrongfully detained Europeans.

Borrell’s Views on Economic, National, and Global Security Issues

Borrell is more assertive on economic, national, and global security issues, invoking international institutions and law, but not addressing Beijing’s disdain for both.

EU Leaders Must Articulate Aspirations for Cooperation with Beijing

EU leaders should acknowledge that the lack of good faith of Chinese officials on rights issues made mere engagement pointless, if not counterproductive. The EU should instead use international institutions to push for accountability for widespread, systemic abuses.

Recalibrating the EU’s Human Rights Policy Towards China

The EU should explain how it will recalibrate human rights policy, committing publicly to more senior interactions with Chinese critics of Beijing. Borrell should support building up resilience not just around supply chains but around Chinese government threats to human rights both in China and abroad.

Rejecting China’s Efforts to Undermine Rights Protection

The EU should ensure it does not just “counter” but to reject China’s efforts to undermine rights protection at the United Nations and other international forums. Finally, the EU should use the multilateral system to investigate Chinese officials implicated in crimes against humanity and human rights violations.

EU Preparedness to Face China’s Threats to Human Rights

This approach is needed to show that the EU is prepared to “deal with China”, and demonstrate commitment to addressing one of the greatest threats to EU values. Xi has the resolve and resources to tear down human rights at home and abroad. Whether the EU is prepared to face and solve this “uncomfortable dilemma” will become clearer in the months ahead.