Beijing is largely unconcerned by recent US actions. From a European perspective, China may now appear more reliable than the United States. But Chinese policies and strategic objectives have not changed.
South Korea, the Philippines, and Japan are grappling with the fear that the US may reduce its military commitment to the region. They have started to forge closer security ties with European countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the recent gathering of over 25 heads of governments in Beijing to launch a new phase of China’s efforts to change the world order. European states should take note.
Despite the impact of US tariffs, China is getting closer to its goal of becoming a global power and reducing the hold that the West has over the rules-based international order.
A renewed anti-corruption drive has led to the dismissal of a remarkable number of defense ministers and Chinese top brass. This may dampen Xi Jinping’s appetite for conflict in the short term, but the Chinese president is pursuing the purge with his geopolitical goals in mind.
For the first time in over 20 years, two German navy ships passed the Taiwan Strait in September, amid Chinese protests. For Berlin, this is the right way to go.
The recent conclusion of a Russia-North Korea pact is likely to unnerve China even more than the building of a Japan-South Korea-United States alliance.
Germany’s navy and air force are planning to beef up their participation in various military exercises halfway around the world in 2024. This speaks of a clearer strategy vis-à-vis China and the region.
With Lai Ching-te, the Taiwanese have elected another DPP president, to the ire of Beijing. For the EU, the election outcome offers a chance to forge closer relations with Taipei.
China’s attempts to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea have recently led to clashes with the Philippines. Negotiated solutions, including about a code of conduct to manage such dangerous incidents, have become elusive.
Fears about a military escalation between China and the United States dominate the region. Europe’s attempts to garner more support for Ukraine have left Indo-Pacific countries unconvinced.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is traveling the Americas including a “stopover” in the United States for a meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. At the same time, the number of visits to embattled Taiwan has increased. That's not without problems.
