Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa
Geopolitics Analyst in EU-Asia Relations and AsiaGlobal Fellow, The University of Hong Kong
Oct 18, 2024
The European Commission's new leadership, under President Ursula von der Leyen's second term, is shifting toward a more assertive stance on China, amid internal political shifts and overlapping bureaucratic roles. Without a coherent ‘U.S.-China policy,’ Europe risks deepening internal divisions and weakening its ability to assert strategic autonomy between the U.S. and China.
Sep 27, 2024
The Philippines sits at the crossroads of the Pacific and Southeast Asia, navigating its historical ties to the U.S. and proximity to China with extreme care and diplomatic acumen. As China seeks to grow its power this decade, the Philippines will surely play a major role in how things unfold.
Aug 30, 2024
The Italian Prime Minister’s visit to China offers key insights into the state of Sino-European relations, the evolution of de-risking strategies, and China’s response to this challenge.
Aug 05, 2024
By imposing provisional duties on Chinese EV imports, the EU seeks to protect its automotive industry while navigating complex internal and external pressures, with the potential for significant economic and geopolitical fallout if a full-scale trade war ensues.
Jun 18, 2024
The 2024 EU’s parliamentary elections warrant deeper scrutiny, highlighting the interplay of national issues and geopolitical factors. The outcome mirrors local political landscapes, suggesting potential changes in EU leadership and policies. The EU’s geopolitical impact remains limited while presenting some challenges for EU-China cooperation and beyond.
May 24, 2024
President Xi Jinping’s recent voyage to Europe is the best barometer for measuring the current state of China-EU relations. A swift evaluation reveals more unsettling signs than promising advancements.
May 07, 2024
The EU’s latest moves in the green technology sector may inadvertently strain China-EU relations, potentially impeding progress toward mutual environmental objectives and causing detriment to both parties.
Mar 22, 2024
The developing geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century should see a rising East overtake the West in global leadership, and lack of clear, decisive, and effective China policy would place Europe on the losing side. But, is there any reason the EU cannot grow into the new order with renewed power?
Feb 21, 2024
The ongoing war in Ukraine stands as the paramount geopolitical clash of the 21st century, heralding a definitive return to realpolitik in global governance.
Feb 05, 2024
The EU must strike a balance on its Taiwan policy, akin to other major powers, and have a comprehensive strategy. As the U.S. elections approach, which will have significant geopolitical implications for the self-governed island, Europe, a potential pivotal player, must carefully consider moves to uphold credibility on the global stage and maintain a coherent and principled foreign policy.