EU must stand firm with China

The EPP Group wants a clear and confident EU approach to China that protects European jobs and economic security.

"Europe must show its muscles and engage with China from a position of confidence, not dependence. We must stand firm with China. Cooperation is important, but it must come with reciprocity, fair competition and respect for the rules-based international order. If these principles are ignored, Europe should protect itself, for example by strengthening trade rules, screening investments, diversifying supply chains and, when necessary, taking targeted action," said Nicolás Pascual De La Parte MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on China in the Foreign Affairs Committee, ahead of the debate on EU-China political relations in the European Parliament. 

"China remains a strategic rival to the European Union. Any attempts by the Socialists to erase this reality will not make this fact disappear. Europe needs a clear-sighted line towards Beijing, with no compromise on its security, economic interests or the rules-based international order," said De La Parte.

Furthermore, the EPP Group opposes any provocation or unilateral attempt to violate the status quo of Taiwan through force or coercion, or against the will of the Taiwanese people. "We call on China to refrain from any action creating tensions and undermining Taiwan's status," concluded Michael Gahler, the EPP Group Spokesman for Foreign Affairs.