EU member nations have become increasingly aware of Chinese influence in the Eastern European region, which calls for a reorienting of their strategy in the Balkans.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s general narrative of “democracy against autocracy” will not be accepted wholesale. Europe wants to avoid being dragged by the United States into a costly new cold war that’s driven by strategic autonomy.

Europe recently failed to ratify the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), signaling hesitations in its trade relationship with Beijing. Instead Europe aligned itself with Washington’s efforts to counter China’s global influence.

A recent trade deal between the EU and China has stalled in Europe’s governing body, a possible result of China’s soft power shortcomings that affect its public perception outside of the Pacific region.

The EU’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific calls for a “meaningful European naval presence in the region.” What does it mean for vested parties in the South China Sea?

The traditional Western world alignment between the U.S. and Europe has been strained by four years of tumultuous foreign policy. Now, the gravity of China’s rise threatens to drive a larger wedge between the two regions.

The traditional Western world alignment between the U.S. and Europe has been strained by four years of tumultuous foreign policy. Now, the gravity of China’s rise threatens to drive a larger wedge between the two regions.

It’s a critical time for global order China and Europe must manage and adapt to increasing competitiveness in their relationship and find a pragmatic, rational and balanced approach to their relations. But they must also increase communication and cooperation to prevent the world from renewing the pattern of major power confrontation.

Many Central and Eastern European countries are re-considering their geopolitical relationships as China becomes more involved in the region. How might a more balanced and neutral foreign policy change Croatia’s economic and political fate?

Europe needs sustainable China policy, as it currently finds itself in a dilemma. It wants the economic benefits of trade with China, but it is loath to cut ties with the United States, which it needs for markets and security. It a fast-changing world, it needs to find a path forward.