"Xi Jinping to Hold Phone Call with EU Council President... Is China Trying to Drive a Wedge Between the US and Europe?"

'Emergence of "Self-Reliance" in the EU... Seeking to Recalibrate Relations with China
Recent Series of High-Level Bilateral Talks Held
China Likely to Pursue Cooperation with Europe Amid US Pressure
Taiwan Also Increasing Contacts with EU... President: "Taiwan Is an Important Partner of Europe"'

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Chinese President Xi Jinping is reported to have a phone call scheduled with Charles Michel, President of the European Union (EU) Council, on the 15th, marking their first conversation in a year. Amid growing discord between the US and the EU following the launch of the 'AUKUS alliance,' China is actively seeking to strengthen cooperation with Europe, leading analysts to interpret this as a so-called 'divide and conquer' strategy.

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 11th (local time) that "President Xi is expected to have a phone call with President Michel this Friday," and that the two sides are likely to exchange views on key issues.

This will be the first dialogue between President Xi and President Michel since the end of last year.

Previously, since last year, the EU has been in conflict with China over issues such as forced labor of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and the Hong Kong situation.

As a result, both sides imposed various sanctions, and during this process, the European Parliament suspended ratification of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) between the EU and China, which had been finalized through negotiations.

Charles Michel, President of the European Union (EU) Summit [Photo by EPA]

However, recently, tensions have continued between the US and the EU amid backlash over the US establishing the so-called 'AUKUS alliance'?a security pact among English-speaking countries?with the UK and Australia, excluding European countries. In particular, after Australia forcibly canceled its submarine contract with France following the launch of the AUKUS alliance, France strongly protested, feeling betrayed.

Consequently, a discourse on 'self-reliance' has emerged within Europe, with calls to reduce security dependence on the US and to strengthen strategic cooperation with China.

Last week, the leaders of the 27 EU member states agreed on the need to readjust relations with China, which analysts interpret as leaving open the possibility of cooperation with China.

Meanwhile, China, facing increasing pressure from the US, is extending a hand to Europe and appears focused on strengthening strategic relations between the two sides. President Xi’s phone call with President Michel after a year is seen as reflecting this intention.

In particular, China has been continuing high-level dialogues with the EU, increasing mutual contact.

Last month, Wang Yi, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, held talks with Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Additionally, Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party and Vice Premier, met with Frans Timmermans, the EU Executive Vice-President, agreeing to strengthen cooperation on issues such as climate change.

This upcoming phone call between President Xi and President Michel could potentially open the door to bilateral dialogue.

A senior EU official said, "In the context of rising tensions between the US and China over the past year, it is time for the EU to express its position more clearly."

On the 10th, Borrell stated, "We need to seek cooperation with China on some issues such as climate change," but emphasized, "We must actively oppose actions that contradict our views on human rights."

Meanwhile, SCMP reported that some EU member states, including Lithuania, are taking a hardline stance on the Taiwan issue. There is analysis that disputes between China and the EU could reignite over Taiwan.

In response, Taiwan has recently been expanding its contacts with the EU.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

On the previous day, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said, "We hope the EU will conclude a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan," adding, "This will contribute to mutual benefit. Taiwan will not take the support of partner countries for granted."

She continued, "Taiwan is an essential partner for Europe," emphasizing, "There is much room for cooperation in strengthening democracy, as well as in biotechnology, renewable energy, data protection, and the semiconductor industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.